By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
The 2015 Nantou Flower Carnival’s “Snow-Chasing Plum Viewing” series of events kicked off on December 20th, marking the official start of the flower season. With plum blossoms expected to soon be in full bloom, visitors are welcome to head to Xinyi Township, known as the “Hometown of Plum Blossoms,” to enjoy the floral spectacle. The three major plum blossom viewing areas—Fengguidou, Wusong, and Niuchongkeng—are expected to draw large crowds.

Xinyi Township’s plum blossoms have always been a top pick for plum viewing in Taiwan, and the quality of its plums is equally outstanding. The township has over 800 hectares of plum orchards spread across a wide area. If the next cold front brings sufficient moisture,the blossoms are expected to be in full bloom between January 5th and 10th. This year, due to the warmer winter, the blooming period is likely to be extended, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers right up to Chinese New Year.Additionally, from the end of the year through March of next year, Xinyi Township will also be in its peak tourist season, with upcoming events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and Yushan snow viewing, making it well worth a repeat visit.

Plum trees in Xinyi Township’s Fengguidou account for 80% of those in Taiwan. (Photo source / Nantou County Government Tourism Bureau)
 
During the flower season, various major plum blossom viewing spots in Xinyi Township will also host a series of events. On January 7th, 2016, a plum painting and tea-tasting event will be held at Liujia Plum Garden in Niuchongkeng, Xinyi Township. On January 10th, there will also be the “Sweet Burden—Couples’ Piggyback Race” and the “United Couples—Rolling Oak Barrel Race.” Participants can register on-site with valid ID and age documentation. The first-place couple in the piggyback race will win a quantity of Xinyi Township Farmers’ Association Soft Water Plum Wine equal to the weight (in kilograms) of the person carried, in bottles; the second- and third-place couples will receive plum soup. The first-place winner of the oak barrel rolling event will receive oak barrel plum dew, and all finishers will receive a Marasun Black Wheat Juice gift box.
 

Christmas & New Year Travel Idea: Maple Viewing × Plum Viewing × Hot Spring Soaking