Breathtaking beauty: Winter "mountain cherry blossoms" bloom in splendor, casting a romantic pink glow over Pinglin!

The first cold wave of winter will hit Taiwan on the 9th. Yet, the beautiful mountain cherry blossoms defy the chill, blooming with vibrant enthusiasm. As we step into the period of Lesser Cold, it’s almost time for the cherry blossom season again. New Taipei City is home to 150,000 cherry trees, waiting to bud through winter and burst into bloom in spring. Currently, the first fully bloomed cherry blossom tree in the city has been spotted at the entrance of the New Taipei City District Prosecutors Office Drug Rehabilitation Center in Pinglin District, bringing an early touch of romance. Cherry blossom enthusiasts are welcome to share updates on the Facebook page “Flower Sightings Update”!

The first fully bloomed cherry blossom tree in New Taipei City has been found at the entrance of the New Taipei City District Prosecutors Office Drug Rehabilitation Center in Pinglin District. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

Every year from February to March, after the Beginning of Spring, it’s the season when 150,000 Taiwan mountain cherries, double-flowered cherries, and Yoshino cherries across New Taipei City dance vibrantly in full bloom. These blossoms unfurl their crimson petals like fluttering snowflakes, spreading hues of happiness through the lush mountains and forests. In the Dali area of Pinglin, the Taiwan mountain cherry has begun to timidly blossom, heralding New Taipei City’s first romantic blush of cherry pink.

The delicate and lovely cherry blossoms are truly endearing. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

The New Taipei City Government’s Urban Landscape Office stated that due to the influence of this year's warm winter climate, the mountain cherry blossoms are expected to begin their initial bloom around the end of January to early February, with the hillsides covered in full bloom by mid-February. At that time, the peach-pink cherry blossoms will complement the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the holiday season to visit popular cherry blossom spots in New Taipei City such as Xilu’an in Wulai and Dahu Road in Sanzhi. Additional cherry blossom events will also be held in Shiding, Tamsui, Jinshan, Wulai, Sanzhi, and Tucheng—everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

Cherry blossom viewing in the cold winter brings a special charm. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

Director of the Agriculture Bureau, Lee Wen, mentioned that by searching “Flower Sightings Update” on Facebook, one can catch the earliest glimpses of cherry blossoms. Flower lovers are invited to like and follow the Facebook fan page “Flower Sightings Update” to receive the latest flower news more quickly. Fans are also encouraged to share photos and updates on cherry blossom blooms around New Taipei City, providing fellow flower enthusiasts with timely and detailed information.