Don’t miss out before the season ends—colors of love: A pink mini-trip to embrace spring

▲ The Xiongkong Cherry Blossom Grove in Sanxia is a hidden gem for blossom viewing. (Photo provided by netizens ulin_yang and penny. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

As March arrives and the weather gradually warms up, the essence of spring becomes richer and more vibrant by the day. Looking to take a relaxing short trip in such pleasant weather? Why not embark on a girly-style “pink-themed journey”! From the cherry blossoms nearing their end, to the brilliantly blooming azaleas, romantic rose gardens, and the ever-red strawberries—you can enjoy them all right here in Taipei. Hurry and capture these love-like hues before the season fades away!

Cherry Blossom Viewing

Late February to early March is the best time to admire cherry blossoms. However, this year due to climate factors, the blooming period has been slightly delayed in various regions—but that doesn’t diminish the magical allure of those pink blossoms. Without letting Wuling Farm hog all the limelight, there are actually many cherry blossom spots in the Taipei metropolitan area too. From the Tamsui Tianyuan Temple, which draws crowds of pilgrims every year, to the recently trending Xiongkong Cherry Blossom Grove in Sanxia—each location is simply breathtaking.

Time: Late February to March
Locations: Tamsui Tianyuan Temple, Yangmingshan National Park, Neihu Lohas Park, Wulai, Sanxia Xiongkong Cherry Blossom Grove, Sanchi... and more

▲ The pink flower sea of the Xiongkong Cherry Blossom Grove in Sanxia. (Photo provided by netizen ulin_yang. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ Tamsui Tianyuan Temple is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing. (Photo by Douglas Fang)

▲ Yangmingshan Cherry Blossom Park. (Photo captured from the official Facebook page of the Yangmingshan Flower Festival)

Azalea Season

Spring isn’t only about cherry blossoms—the azaleas are also putting on a show of their own. This year, the Taipei City Government is hosting the “Taipei Azalea Season” for the first time in collaboration with National Taiwan University. Centered around the city flower—the azalea—the event spans from Roosevelt Road along Xinsheng South Road to Da’an Forest Park, as well as along Ren’ai Road, with additional plantings. It is further enhanced with various plants, artworks, and character displays to add a fresh twist. Winter has passed—spring is just around the corner!

Time: March 1 to March 31, 2017
Locations: Roosevelt Road to Xinsheng South Road, Da’an Forest Park, Ren’ai Road, Azalea Tea Garden, National Taiwan University

▲ Ren’ai Road is adorned with blooming azaleas. (Photo captured from the Taipei City Government Bureau of Cultural Affairs and the Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau.)

▲ Azaleas in shades of pink and white. (Photo provided by the Taipei City Government Department of Urban Development)

Strawberry Picking

Every December, plump and juicy strawberries gradually ripen, heralding the official arrival of strawberry-picking season. This year, due to unstable weather conditions, the strawberry harvest is over two weeks later than usual. Once the strawberry farms opened, many visitors rushed to be among the first to experience it. The Dahu Strawberry Festival will continue until mid-May next year.

Time: Every December to mid-May of the following year
Location: Dahu, Taipei

▲ %疾葺?咀钔砜沙中?降月。（Photo captured from the Dahu Strawberry Princess Fan Club and Happy Strawberry Garden Fan Page）

Rose Exhibition

The newly established Classic Rose Area in the Taipei Expo’s Hsinchuang Park features over a hundred varieties and 500 rose plants. With intensive management, it creates a profusion of blooms that allows the public to enjoy the glorious sight of roses in full bloom throughout the year. The design of the Taipei Rose Garden mainly draws inspiration from European and Japanese styles. From fences to flower pillars and from pillars to flower corridors, rose-lined walkways connect the entire garden area.

Time: March 14 to March 31
Location: Hsinchuang Rose Garden at the Taipei Expo

▲ %既绻?骰ㄔ鞍愕拿倒逶啊＃Photo provided by the Hsinchuang Rose Garden management team)