August is the perfect time to head up to the mountains of Hualien to admire the golden needle flowers.

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin. Compiled and reported.

 

The most important Hualien tourism event every August—the Hualien Golden Needle Flower Festival—will make its lively debut this month. August is the prime season for golden needle flowers, when the hillsides burst into vibrant yellow blooms. Key areas such as Chikuo Mountain, Liushishi Mountain, and Taimali in eastern Taiwan—renowned golden needle flower regions—offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the captivating allure of these golden flowers.

This year’s golden needle flower season runs from August 1 to September 25. These bright, vibrant blooms, often referred to as the “beauty of a day,” typically flourish in August and September. Their dynamic forms and eye-catching yellow hues attract many visitors who travel far and wide to witness the grand spectacle of golden seas of flowers. In the early morning, the buds remain closed, but once the sun rises, they bloom cheerfully—each moment offering a unique charm. For the best experience, consider staying overnight at a local homestay to enjoy the flowers in daylight, at dawn, and under the night sky.

 

This summer, Chikuo Mountain and Liushishi Mountain in Hualien are expected to showcase the largest expanse of golden needle flower fields ever, thanks to the flower-retention policies promoted by Hualien County Government. The blooms are forecasted to reach their peak in mid-to-late August. Located northeast of Fuli Township, Liushishi Mountain stands about 800 meters above sea level. From the top, particularly at the Wangyou Pavilion, visitors are treated to sweeping views reminiscent of a layered European landscape painting. In the distance lie the Central Mountain Range and the Huatung Valley, while nearby slopes and valleys are blanketed in golden needle flowers, forming luxurious orange-yellow floral carpets spread across the forested hills and rooftops.

 

The Chinese Green Lifestyle Leisure Development Association will also launch two “Golden Allure of Liushishi Mountain” three-day tour packages from August 24–26 and August 30–September 1. These tours will take participants through the golden flower seas of Liushishi Mountain, enjoy golden needle flower-inspired meals, and visit an Amis tribal village. Visitors can explore a cultural and natural ecological reserve, experience the ancient lifestyles of the Amis people, and observe the beauty of wetland ecosystems. For details, please visit: www.g-life.org.tw.

 

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