The Fragrance of Plum Blossoms Conquers Southern Taiwan’s Top Four Plum-Blossom Viewing Spots

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 
The "Snow-Seeking Plum Blossom" series of events under the Nantou Flower Carnival officially kicked off on December 20, 2015, marking the beginning of the floral season. The plum-tree planting area in Xinyi Township spans over 800 hectares and is widely distributed. If the next cold front brings moisture, the blossoms are expected to be in full bloom from January 5 to 10. This year's warm winter will extend the blooming period, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers until before the Lunar New Year.

If you're planning to admire plum blossoms in Nantou, the top four viewing spots are highly recommended: Fengguidou, Wusong, and Niuchongkeng in Xinyi Township, as well as the Zhongyuan Tribe in Ren'ai Township, all popular hotspots.
 
● Fengguidou
Xinyi Township’s plum orchards cover approximately 1,500 hectares, with around 80% of Taiwan’s plum-tree cultivation area located in Fengguidou. The trees grow at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 meters. With an average age of about 35 years, these trees create a spectacular sea of flowers in the harsh winter, resembling falling snow and forming a picturesque, poetic landscape. Not only is it one of the best spots for plum-blossom viewing in Xinyi Township, but it is also a renowned green-plum-producing region across Taiwan. The favorable climate and soil have made Fengguidou’s plum orchards famous.
Address: Fengdu Community, Ziqiang Village, Xinyi Township, Nantou County

● Wusong
Besides the well-known Fengguidou, the nearby Wusong, at a higher elevation (around 1,000 meters), boasts even denser plum blossoms, gradually earning a reputation as an emerging plum-blossom destination. The Wusong plum-blossom viewing area was originally a high-mountain forest, and after driving about two kilometers, visitors will find large plum orchards. Near the Wusong Forest Resort Camp, various plum orchards feature well-planned walking trails along with cafes and dining options, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers while dining.
Address: Wusong, Xinyi Township, Nantou County

● Niuchongkeng
Niuchongkeng’s hidden plum-blossom gem, the “Liu Family Plum Orchard,” occasionally sees white petals drifting down like walking along a snowy path. The blooming flowers are vibrant, with shades of pink, white, and pale green, resembling a dreamlike snowfall. The sight of white plum blossoms covering the mountains is akin to stepping into a traditional Chinese painting—endless blooms showcase the beauty of sheer quantity. Additionally, the plum blossoms in Niuchongkeng typically bloom around Christmas and New Year’s Day. Due to the short blooming period, visitors should plan their trip early.
Address: No. 87, Yanghe Lane, Niuchongkeng, Ziqiang Village, Xinyi Township, Nantou County

● Zhongyuan Tribe
The plum orchards in the Zhongyuan Tribe of Ren'ai Township consist of native plum tree species, distinct from the more popular Fengguidou area, with taller trees. The Zhongyuan Tribe has two main plum-blossom viewing areas: the first is located on the hillside behind Huzhu Elementary School at the 3.5 km mark of Provincial Highway 80. A short five-minute walk up the slope from the school parking lot leads to a grove of upright plum trees covering the mountainside.