Red cherry blossoms bloom in Taipei – 22 recommended happy cherry blossom hiking trails

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

Every year from late January to early February, the mountains and forests of Taipei shed their dry, yellow hues and don fresh pink and red tones as cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Their graceful beauty beckons everyone outdoors to enjoy nature and welcome the arrival of spring. Many hiking trails in Taipei are lined with native or early-planted cherry trees, which have now grown quite tall. When in full bloom, they create a spectacular and colorful display. Hiking these trails to admire the blossoms is not only healthy and relaxing but also allows you to fully enjoy the romance of cherry blossom viewing.

Huang Liyuan, head of the Department of Urban Development, said that Beitou District has the highest density of cherry blossoms in Taipei. He recommends that friends walk from Baike Shan Zhuang Trail to Yongchunliao Trail and Shangqing Temple Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass by popular cherry blossom spots such as Baike Shan Zhuang, Anguo Temple, Shangqing Temple, and the Wu Family Ancestral Hall. Near the Zhongzheng Mountain trailhead on Yongchunliao Trail, you can find a colorful sea of flowers—a hidden garden visited by few.

 

Additionally, Fengwei Trail runs through a cherry sapling nursery. Every early spring, the hillsides covered with cherry blossoms almost turn into a pink forest, offering an immersive and awe-inspiring experience. On Zhuzihhu’s Hou Trail and Shuiche Liao Trail, you can not only admire cherry blossoms but also enjoy camellias.

 

Xia Xiantong, head of the Roads and Trails Section at the Department of Urban Development, said that Shilin District’s Pingdingshi and Yangmingshan Park, along with Zhuzihhu, are known as the top three cherry blossom viewing spots in Taipei. The Zhulin Trail on Section 42, Pingjing Street, Shilin District, mainly features mountain cherry blossoms, mostly concentrated near Hefeng Restaurant. Meanwhile, the Pingding Ancient Canal Trail, from the Pingdingshi Bus Stop to Qingfeng Pavilion, is dominated by Yoshino cherry trees. During cherry blossom season, entering Pingdingshi, you’ll be greeted by eye-catching clusters of pink tree canopies. There’s also the Shuiguan Trail, where the entrance at Aifu 3rd Street leads down to the Songxi riverside, featuring mainly mountain cherry, double-petal cherry, and Showa cherry blossoms.

 

Beyond Beitou and Shilin, the Bixi Trail in “Little Taipei Headwaters” in Neihu District, near the Bishan Camping Area Trail, also showcases mountain cherry blossoms. The Dagouxi Riverside Trail also features a good number of mountain cherry blossoms, just a 10-minute walk from Dahu Park MRT Station. Moreover, the Bishan Rock Trail displays mountain cherry, double-petal cherry, and Yoshino cherry blossoms. The crimson cherry blossoms complement the purple Baishi Lake Suspension Bridge, creating a scene not only perfect for cherry blossom viewing but also for strolling across the bridge.

 

The Department of Urban Development stated that in the popular tourist area of Wenshan District’s Maokong, cherry trees are abundant around the Camphor and Zhanghu Trails. The Feilong Trail, near the Zhongzheng 2nd Road trailhead on National Taiwan University’s campus, boasts a sea of cherry blossoms. The Zhinan Temple Trail also features a large number of cherry blossoms. Walking from Maokong Cable Car’s Zhinan Temple Station to the Grand Buddha Hall, you’ll be surrounded by cherry trees in full bloom, forming a floral sea that drifts like a cloud ribbon through the mountains—a breathtaking view worth experiencing firsthand.

　　

Xinyi District is no less remarkable. Entering from the Songshan Cihui Temple vicinity via the Hushanxi Trail, you can take close-up photos with cherry blossoms right in front of the Four Beasts Square. The Hushan Mountain Waist Trail, near Fuxing Garden and Shifang Chan Temple, is planted with mountain cherry blossoms that bloom beautifully. The Hushan Ecological Trail features well-aged mountain cherry trees with thick trunks and broad canopies that are quite striking when in bloom. The Tiaomi Ancient Trail, from the Wuxing Street Trailhead to the God of Wealth Temple, is also a great choice for cherry blossom viewing. For detailed trail information, visit the Hiking Trails theme website on the Department of Urban Development’s official portal.

 

 

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