Blue hydrangeas at Zhuzihu bloom as five recommended streams and trails around Yangmingshan for flower viewing

The Zhuzihu area is located in the central part of Yangmingshan National Park. Han people began settling and cultivating the land here in early times. During the Japanese colonial period, the area’s unique terrain and climate were found suitable for growing experimental rice. In 1923, the Japanese established the Penglai Rice Original Seed Field in Zhuzihu to cultivate superior seed varieties, earning it the title of the birthplace of Penglai Rice. Historically, Zhuzihu was divided into three enclosed areas—Donghu (East Lake), Dinghu (Top Lake), and Xiahu (Lower Lake). Near the entrance of Zhuzihu along the Yangjin Highway is “Donghu.” After crossing a small bridge, the road splits: going straight north leads to “Dinghu,” the northernmost area, while turning left leads to “Xiahu.” In the late Qing Dynasty, Zhuzihu grew rice. In the 1960s, the Original Seed Field Office closed, and high-altitude vegetables replaced rice. A decade ago, the area shifted to growing hydrangeas and other flowers. Spring in Yangmingshan is a season of change, with various flowers blooming across the mountain. We invite you to listen to its stories.

Huang Liyuan, head of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, said that the upper reaches of Zhuzihu feature steep flows and fast currents, which in the past often led to severe erosion during heavy rains. The bureau used near-natural engineering methods to restore the streams and transformed existing agricultural pathways into five streams and trails: the “Dinghu Circular Trail,” “Hydrangea Circular Trail,” “Literary Trail,” “Hudi Circular Trail,” and “Zhuzihu Circular Trail.” These trails connect the five areas of Zhuzihu—Dinghu, Xiahu, Hudi, Donghu, and Shuiwei—with walking times ranging from 10 to 50 minutes each, offering varied scenery.

 

The bureau recommends the Dinghu Circular Trail in the Dinghu area for those who wish to admire vast hydrangea fields, the majestic views of Xiaoyuekeng, egrets, and small terraced fields. The trail follows the stream, is flat and easy to walk, suitable for all ages, and takes about 20 minutes. For those interested in old waterwheels left by early farmers, ecological ponds, and circular play areas, the Hydrangea Circular Trail in the Xiahu area is a good choice, also with a 20-minute walk. The Literary Trail in the Shuiwei area, ideal for enjoying the sound of flowing water, playing among rocks, small hills, and terraced mountain slopes, requires just 10 minutes. To enjoy a high vantage point of hydrangea fields on the hillsides, the Hudi Circular Trail is recommended, with a 15-minute walk. The longest trail is the Zhuzihu Circular Trail, which starts from Huti Bridge, connects Donghu, Dinghu, Shuiwei, and Xiahu in a loop of mountain trails and roads, and takes about 50 minutes, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the charming scenery of Zhuzihu.