Plum blossoms in Tucheng are in full bloom, welcoming day and night visitors to the mountains this weekend

▲The 2013 Tucheng Plum Blossom Main Event in New Taipei City kicks off on April 27, with blossoms currently around 60–70% in bloom — the ideal viewing period. (Photo provided by Tucheng District Office)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The main event of the Hakka Plum Blossom Festival in New Taipei City will grandly kick off this weekend on April 27. The plum blossoms in the mountainous areas of Tucheng are about 60–70% in bloom. The Civil Affairs Section of the Tucheng District Office stated that this weekend, April 27, is the best time to view the blossoms, as the mountains will be covered in a spectacular sea of white blooms. On both April 27 and 28, in addition to the Exit 3 of Yongning Station on the MRT, a shuttle bus service will also be available from Exit 2 of Tucheng Station. The first bus departs at 7:00 AM, and the last bus from Nantianmu departs at 6:00 PM, running on a flexible schedule.

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The Tucheng District Office stated that areas such as Lane 171 of Nantianmu and Qingxi Trail already have many snow-white plum blossoms scattered on the ground. Overall, the current blooming condition is at its most beautiful, and the entire flowering season is very short, ending on May 12.

This weekend is expected to see heavy traffic around Plum Blossom Park. Zhao Shaolian, Director of the New Taipei City Department of Transportation, said that shuttle services will be flexibly increased according to crowd levels to transport visitors to and from the area, and a temporary tourist information center will be set up to provide information on mountain blossom conditions and bus routes. Traffic control will be implemented on controlled sections including Chengtian Road, Zhongyi Road, Zhongcheng Road, Nantianmu Road, and Longquan Road, with cars prohibited from entering.

Additionally, to facilitate visitors attending the Firefly Banquet on April 27 and 28, a nighttime firefly-viewing shuttle bus will be available from Exit 3 of Yongning Station to Nantianmu Square. The first bus departs at 6:00 PM, and the last bus from Nantianmu departs at 9:00 PM.

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