Text/photo report by the editorial team of MOOK Travel Life Network

January is the best time to admire plum blossoms in Meiling, Tainan. As this year’s bloom season nears its end, the Tainan Tourism Bureau is urging visitors to make the most of the remaining flowers and take advantage of public transportation to access the Meiling Scenic Area,On January 24 and 25, traffic control and guidance will be enhanced, and free shuttle bus services will be provided between the Meiling Information Station and Erpingsping for medium-sized buses. Shuttle service hours are generally from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with flexibility based on real-time traffic conditions.

Drivers can park at the Meiling Information Station and then transfer to the free shuttle bus up the mountain to Erpingsping. For the return trip, take the shuttle from the Erpingsping parking lot back to the Meiling Information Station. In addition, the Greater Tainan Bus service offers four round trips on weekdays from Yujing to Erpingsping in Meiling, and ten round trips on weekends. Plum blossom enthusiasts can take the Green Trunk Line to Yujing Transfer Station, then transfer to the Green 22 Branch Line to reach Meiling. The route stops include the Meiling Information Station, Beishiyi, Shangxiawujihu and Xiawujihu, Banana Mountain, and finally Erpingsping. Travelers can choose the most convenient schedule.

At Meiling, visitors can explore four scenic trails — Wulong Trail, Meilong Trail, Meifeng Ancient Trail, and Guanyin Trail — all lined with plum blossoms. Among them, Wulong Trail has a gentle slope and abundant plum trees, making it ideal for families to stroll and enjoy the flowers while taking in the sweeping views of the Tsengwen Reservoir. Travelers can also plan side trips to nearby attractions such as Wulalai Farm, Jiang Family Ancestral House, Xuankong Temple, and Yongxing Suspension Bridge. A two-day, one-night itinerary is also recommended to fully immerse in the mountain-and-water charm of Tainan’s backyard. Additionally, due to the variable mountain weather, the tourism bureau advises visitors to bring rain gear and warm outerwear. As mosquito activity is higher in rural areas, wearing long sleeves, pants, socks, and sports shoes is recommended for personal protection.

 

Plum blossoms are blooming at Kuo-Pan Mountain — enjoy a relaxing picnic outing in Taoyuan