A pink romantic date spot: cherry blossoms at Shima Park in Lugu Valley

Reported by Reporter You T-Ru / Comprehensive report

This year, due to the later arrival of the Lunar New Year, cherry blossoms across Nantou have quietly bloomed before the holiday. The soft pink hues have adorned the entire region, heralding the arrival of spring. Shima Park in Lugu Valley has become a popular cherry blossom destination in recent years, featuring a wide variety of blooms. Striking Yama-zakura, Hamamasu cherry blossoms that traveled across the sea from Japan, and the elegant Formosan cherry all display unique beauty.


▲ Cherry blossoms across Nantou have quietly bloomed. (Photo / Provided by Nantou County Government)

Among them, the Hamamasu cherry blossoms symbolize the friendship between Japan and Nantou. They were gifted by the Japanese Sakura Cultivation Association after the 921 earthquake. When in full bloom, they create a breathtaking scene. The vast grassy areas of Shima Park, coupled with the cherry blossoms, make it an ideal picnic spot. To welcome the New Year, Shima Park has newly created a lantern pathway extending from the entrance into the park. In the evening, the colorful lights shining on the cherry trees transform the area into a magical cherry blossom light show.


▲ Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Shima Park in Lugu Valley. (Photo / Provided by Nantou County Government)

Nantou’s cherry blossom season will continue until the Lunar New Year. Areas such as the National Chi Nan University campus in Puli, the grassy fields of Xinyi Township, and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Yuchi Township have also begun to bloom and are great spots to enjoy the flowers. Those looking to admire the blossoms should hurry. Additionally, from February 14th through the Lunar New Year, the Skywalk in Nantou City will host an early spring camellia exhibition, featuring over a hundred precious varieties of camellias in full bloom. Following that, in mid-March, peonies will bloom in succession at Shanlinxi in Zhushan, with more than 8,000 peonies covering the mountainside in vibrant colors.