Cherry Blossom Viewing / Large Temperature Swings: Flowers "Reluctant" to Bloom? Youyuan Temple’s Cherry Blossoms Might Need More Time

Reported by Chen Zi-Yin / Taipei

▲ Yoshino cherry blossoms at Youyuan Temple have not yet reached their full bloom and remain sparse. (Photo /Tamsui Youyuan Temple Cherry Blossom Live Report Fan Page)

The cherry blossoms at Youyuan Temple, which typically bloom fully in mid-March, are currently only around 10% open. Originally, New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu mentioned during the opening ceremony of the “Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival” at Tamsui Youyuan Temple last week that this week would be the prime blooming time; but according to our actual inquiries, most of the blossoms are still slow to open this week.

Chen Shaolin, executive director of Youyuan Temple, stated that due to recent large temperature fluctuations and the unpredictable cold and warm weather, as of the 14th, the Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Temple’s main plaza are only about 10% in bloom, with just two trees near the front parking lot being about 40% in bloom. The real peak blooming period may have to wait until after the 20th of this month.

Executive Director Chen Shaolin observes the flower conditions daily, takes photos, and thoughtfully posts updates on the fan page so the public can see the current status of the Yoshino cherry blossoms at Youyuan Temple in real time. Since it's not yet the full bloom period, those who had planned to visit Youyuan Temple this week might consider waiting a bit longer, or they could also consider heading to the back mountain of Youyuan Temple first to admire the azaleas, which are already in full bloom.

▲ Azaleas, which often don’t attract much attention from tourists, have actually quietly begun to bloom. (Photo /Tamsui Youyuan Temple Cherry Blossom Live Report Fan Page)