The Romantic May: Tainan’s Golden Rain Season Has Arrived

By / MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

Every year from May to June is the blooming season of the golden rain tree in Tainan. The Tainan City Government is hosting the 2015 “Golden Rain Cassia Festival” at Hutoupi Reservoir from May 24 to June 14. During the festival, activities including cricket competitions, canoe experiences, photography contests, and sketching contests are arranged to invite visitors to experience the vibrant and splendid beauty of the blooming golden rain trees together.

Hutoupi Reservoir is located at the eastern foothills of Hutou Mountain in Xinhua. With relatively lower temperatures and higher humidity from the reservoir, the cassia flowering period here is about two weeks later than that of the plains. It is expected that by late May, the cassia trees in the park will be in full bloom. The cassia trees at Hutoupi are of the Indian native species, featuring more flowers and fewer leaves, which makes their colors even more vivid. Coupled with this year's lack of rainfall, there has been significant leaf drop among the cassia trees. To survive, it is expected that the cassia trees will bloom especially brilliantly this year. When the golden petals flutter down with the wind, they create a dreamy atmosphere.

The Tainan Hutoupi “Golden Rain Cassia Festival” has been held since 2008. This year marks its 8th edition under the theme “Flower Viewing, Cricket Fights, and Fun Play.” In addition to photography contests, the event also includes cricket competitions, canoe experiences, sketching contests, and concerts. This year, a special mascot named “Mr. Cricket,” wearing a cassia flower crown, has been designed for photo opportunities. Beyond the blooming cassia trees at Hutoupi, many areas in Tainan have already begun showcasing the golden rain scenery. Around the Tainan High-Speed Rail Station, cassia blossoms have also burst into full bloom, creating a dazzling golden landscape.