Welcome the May Snowfall!The 2015 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival Has Arrived

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

April’s tung blossoms, May’s snow — the 2015 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival, themed “Blossoms Bloom in Hakka Villages,” runs from April 4 to May 17 across 14 counties and cities in Taiwan’s Hakka regions, featuring a series of Hakka Tung Blossom Festival events. The opening ceremony will be held on April 11 at Nantou’s Niuer Art Resort, where a grassland concert will offer all attendees a refreshing experience; on April 18, in collaboration with local governments, the Hsinchu County Government will present a spectacular cultural and artistic extravaganza.

The Hakka Tung Blossom Festival invites travelers from all over Taiwan to enjoy the natural beauty of Hakka villages, integrating the Hakka elements of “landscape,” “culture,” “industry,” and “artistic performances.” It infuses local Hakka culture, industry, tourism, and sightseeing, combining tung blossom-themed cultural and creative products, Hakka cuisine restaurants, and certified goods. It has become one of Taiwan’s most renowned festivals. This year, the festival involves 14 counties and cities, 112 local governments, civil organizations, and schools, presenting 114 events, inviting everyone to visit Hakka villages and join in the festive fun. There are now 108 tung blossom trails across Taiwan, welcoming all to admire the beautiful sight of white blossoms swirling down nearby.

Entering its 14th year, this year’s Hakka Tung Blossom Festival emphasizes the themes of nature, hospitality, and the richness of Hakka artistic performances under the special theme “Blossoms Bloom in Hakka Villages.” A romantic theme song — “Tung Blossom Rain” — has also been created. Additionally, on the opening day, April 11, admission to the Nantou Niuer Art Resort is free, with highlights including a heaven-worshipping ceremony, a street carnival, a tung blossom grassland concert, an exhibition and sales fair of Hakka specialty goods, and a creative pet costume competition. Special activities for children include glove puppetry shows, picture book storytelling, and a play castle. Popular Hakka singer-songwriters Wei-Li An and Lo Wen-Yu will perform, along with Hakka jazz and rock bands such as Zhuzhukong, Shengun, and OK Band. Under the tung blossom trees, there will also be large tables filled with rich Hakka charm, offering a space for rest and a taste of genuine Hakka hospitality.