A cherry blossom hotspot sees early blooms: admire pink floral seas amid misty clouds

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Located in Shitan Township, Miaoli, Xieyun Temple is one of the premier cherry blossom viewing spots in central Taiwan. With around 3,000 cherry blossom trees planted around the temple, the area is enveloped by a pink floral sea when cherry blossom season arrives, creating an incredibly enchanting sight. This year, Xieyun Temple’s cherry blossom season has arrived earlier than usual, with about 70% of the blossoms currently in bloom, attracting visitors who are heading up the mountain to admire the flowers.

Xieyun Temple is situated on a mountainside and built along the hillside, at an altitude of over 700 meters. In winter, it is often shrouded in mist, offering a very atmospheric setting. This year, the cherry blossoms have bloomed gradually after the arrival of cold fronts, about a month earlier than last year’s season, catching many cherry blossom enthusiasts off guard. Currently, only a handful of visitors have made their way up the mountain.

Xieyun Temple has a large parking lot available for free parking. The main road, Provincial Highway 24, is narrow, steep, and winding, and fog often forms in the mountainous area. Visitors driving up the mountain to view the flowers are advised to pay attention to safety.