Top 3 stunning rural attractions near Taipei: cherry blossoms, calla lilies, metasequoia, and hydrangeas

By Sharelife (Sharing Life)

Taipei often gives off the image of a bustling metropolis, but in reality, the city also boasts excellent rural communities. These hidden gems rival the beauty of attractions in other regions—some even offer limited-time seasonal views known only to insiders. Why not skip the long commutes and discover the charm of these rural areas? Who says the countryside isn’t beautiful?

Gold-tier rural community: Hutan Community (Zhuzihhu) | Coexisting with a national park

▲ The Hutan Community features beautiful calla lilies

Yangmingshan National Park, renowned for its hot springs and floral displays, is home to the globally rare “Hutan Community,” an urban farming settlement that coexists within a national park. Thanks to its cool highland climate, the area once specialized in cultivating premium flowers such as cherry blossoms, calla lilies, and hydrangeas. In recent years, it has transitioned into leisure agriculture, combining floral cultivation with casual dining and tourism to attract both domestic and international visitors.


▲ Residents collectively revived the original paddies of Ponlai rice

Few know that this is also the birthplace of Taiwan’s Ponlai rice. In 2011, community residents initiated its restoration, establishing the “Zhuzihhu Ponlai Rice Original Paddy Valley Owners Club.” Upholding the traditional culture of “shared labor,” they revived Ponlai rice, which had disappeared for over 40 years. In 2016, they successfully planted it at Dinghu, collaborating with Hutan Elementary School and Weigao Primary and Secondary Schools to organize hands-on agricultural education activities. This allows urban youth to gain a deeper understanding of food and agriculture.


▲ The Hutan Community boasts picturesque terraced fields

Silver-tier rural community: Baishihu Community | Hearts of Love in Winter, Lilies in Summer

▲ The Baishihu Suspension Bridge is Taipei’s first long-span suspension bridge

Centered around the theme of “happiness,” the Baishihu Community is located in Bishan Li, Neihu District, Taipei. Its name comes from Baishihu Mountain, standing 482 meters tall to the north. During the Qing Dynasty, the white sandstone used in Taipei’s ancient city walls was sourced here. As industries shifted and populations declined, the community’s agriculture transformed. Not only did they establish Taipei’s first long-span suspension bridge—the Baishihu Suspension Bridge—but crossing it also leads to the Tongxin Garden Ecological Wetland, perfect for romantic photos with loved ones.

Visiting in summer? There's a hidden floral gem: from May to June, lilies and daylilies symbolizing “carefree joy” bloom in succession, creating a vibrant “orange and white” spectacle. The lilies include both Taiwanese lilies and tiger lilies, both native to Taiwan. Though they may look similar, closer inspection reveals subtle differences. Keep your eyes peeled while admiring them.


▲ Summer lily blooms

Bronze-tier rural community: Jiuru Community | Golden Metasequoia in Autumn

▲ Jiuru Community greets you with welcoming metasequoia trees

As autumn and winter arrive, the Jiuru Community by the Sifen River in Nangang District offers golden metasequoia views without venturing far. This area was originally the “Lishan Farmers’ Plaza,” initially built for educating local children. However, due to unstable geological conditions and repeated landslides, it was eventually abandoned. After consultations between the Taipei City Government’s Public Works Bureau, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, and local residents, an agricultural community environmental improvement plan was launched. While one focus was on rehabilitating the Sifen River, the other involved constructing a plaza, creating a recreational space for residents. To honor the area’s scholarly past, the plaza’s pavement features lines from Su Shi’s poem “Calming the Wind and Waves.”


▲ Su Shi’s “Calming the Wind and Waves” evokes the area’s literary heritage

Beyond enjoying metasequoia in autumn and winter, the plaza hosts community events in summer, such as river conservation initiatives and bamboo shoot festivals. The Sifen River also features riverside trails, stepping stones across the stream, and fish ladders, contributing to ecological restoration. Visitors and residents alike can explore the Sifen River and immerse themselves in local history and culture. Take a moment to listen to the babbling brook and embark on a journey shared by nature and ecology.


▲ In summer, the Sifen River also enforces fishing bans to aid ecological restoration

Moving beyond Taipei’s usual image of a glamorous metropolis, these rural communities also represent the city’s historical legacy. Weathered by time, they’ve become even more intertwined with daily life. Want to experience the rural atmosphere? Take a trip to these communities.

Image source: Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau, Department of Geotechnical Engineering

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