3,200 cherry blossoms paint the green hills pink – Taipei’s “Yangmingshan Flower Festival” kicks off

▲ The Yangmingshan Flower Festival has begun now!(Photo / fromthe official fan page ofthe Yangmingshan Flower Festival)

Reported by Tsai Wen-jun / Taipei

As winter fades into spring, flowers gradually bloom, each showcasing its unique charm. The annual natural spectacle in northern Taiwan, the “Yangmingshan Flower Festival,” debuted on the 7th. With the cherry blossom season upon us, take a trip to Yangmingshan to admire over 3,000 pink cherry blossoms blanketing the hillsides and the breathtaking sight of tens of thousands of camellias in full bloom.

The “Yangmingshan Flower Festival,” which draws large crowds of visitors every year, has expanded this year beyond Yangmingshan Park to include the Flower Research and Development Center for the first time. Flower enthusiasts can stroll along the camellia-lined Camellia Path and wander through various floral zones including the herb garden, cherry blossom area, tropical greenhouse, and fern-camellia greenhouse. Tens of thousands of camellia plants are also spread throughout the center, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a vibrant sea of blooming flowers.

▲ Cherry blossoms near the flower clock are currently about 40% in bloom. (Photo / from the official fan page of the Yangmingshan Flower Festival)

It’s peak cherry blossom season, and thousands of cherry trees on Yangmingshan are slowly coming into bloom. The Yangmingshan National Park Administration Office reports that some areas, such as the Flower Research and Development Center and the China Lily Hotel, have already reached full bloom, with the best viewing period lasting until February 15. The cherry groves at Yangmingshan Park and the Flower Clock Plaza are currently about 30–40% in bloom. Meanwhile, those hoping to see the Yoshino cherry blossoms near the Yangmingshan Visitor Center will need to wait until early to mid-March, as they haven’t bloomed yet.

The “Yangmingshan Flower Festival” runs from now until March 15. To ensure smooth traffic, traffic control measures are in effect from the 7th through March 15. Holiday traffic controls on Yangde Boulevard have been extended, including on February 7 (Sat), 8 (Sun), 14 (Sat), 15 (Sun), 21 (Lunar New Year’s Day 3), 22 (Lunar New Year’s Day 4), 23 (Lunar New Year’s Day 5), 27 (Fri), 28 (Sat), March 1 (Sun), 7 (Sat), 8 (Sun), 14 (Sat), and 15 (Sun).

Mountain entry control points are located at Fuxing Bridge, and the intersection at Section 2, Zhishan Road, Lane 1. The uphill traffic control hours have been extended to 07:00–16:00, while downhill control points are at Section 1, Yangming Road, Lane 43, with downhill control hours from 14:00–18:00. Roads around Yangmingshan Park are subject to zoned daily and weekend traffic controls. The Taipei City Government urges the public to reduce carbon emissions by using public transportation to visit the Yangmingshan Flower Festival.