Ultra-Romantic Pink Sea of Flowers: North Cross-Isis & Lalashan Cherry Blossom Tunnels Roll Out the Welcome Mat

▲Pink cherry blossoms in full bloom in Lalashan, resembling a “cherry blossom tunnel” when viewed from afar. (Photo provided by Taoyuan County Scenic Area Administration)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

There’s truly a “Sakuragi Hanamichi”! Near the Zhongbalin Church on the Divine Tree Road (Taiwan Route 116) in Lalashan, Taoyuan, pink cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making the area feel like a cherry blossom tunnel. In addition, large swaths of cherry blossoms are also blooming along the Taoyuan section of the North Cross-Isis Highway and around Jiaobanshan Park. The Taoyuan County Scenic Area Administration notes that visitors to these spots for cherry blossom viewing may, if mountain mists rise, enjoy the sight of petals fluttering down like a dreamy cherry blossom rain.

The scenic administration pointed out that after the Lunar New Year, the flowering period of mountain cherries is drawing to a close, to be followed in succession by flowering of Showa cherries, double-petal cherries, Thousand Island cherries, and Yoshino cherries. Currently, the entire Taoyuan section of the North Cross-Isis is presenting a beautiful spectacle interwoven with peach and pink hues. Near the Zhongbalin Church on the Divine Tree Road in Lalashan, hundreds of Showa cherry trees are in full bloom, forming a cherry blossom tunnel about 300 meters long, with the best viewing period from now until February 23.

▲Cherry blossoms along the North Cross-Isis (left); the beautiful view of Shimen Reservoir from Jiaobanshan Park (right). (Photo by reporter Zhou Youzheng)

Dozens of cherry trees in and near Jiaobanshan Park have also now entered peak bloom, attracting many visitors to stop and take photos. Aside from cherry blossom viewing, you can also take a stroll along the park trails, with Shimen Reservoir right next door. Thanks to the park’s higher elevation, the reservoir views are spectacular on clear days, while misty, cloud-enveloped scenes offer a different kind of charm when it rains.

▲Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Jiaobanshan Park, attracting visitors to stop and take photos. (Photo by reporter Zhou Youzheng)

The scenic administration recommends that visitors plan a two-day itinerary.Day 1First, visit the Lalashan Tourist Service Center to learn about the mountain environment and get travel information, then enter the Baleng Ancient Trail Ecological Area to experience the primeval forest ecology, proceed to the Zhongbalin Sakura Trail to walk through the flower sea tunnel, and at night head to the Shangbaleng parking lot for stargazing as well as dining and lodging.

Day 2Then follow the ancient trail to view the famous Lalashan Sacred Trees and also experience the beauty of Atayal culture. The scenic administration especially revealed that Shangbaleng Zhongxing Road is a little-known secret spot for cloud-level cherry blossom viewing, which visitors should definitely not miss. On the way back, you can also visit the Xiaowulai Skywalk and Yixing Suspension Bridge to view the waterfalls.

▲The North Cross-Isis and Lalashan areas are covered with pink and peach-colored cherry blossoms. (Photo provided by Taoyuan County Scenic Area Administration)