The Sun Moon Lake Nine Tribes Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off today

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

Right after the Lunar New Year holiday, this year’s “2012 Sun Moon Lake Nine Tribes Cherry Blossom Festival” with the theme “Cherry Blossoms, Pirates, and Lavender” will begin today (1/30) and run for two months until April 1. The event is divided into: Part One – February’s First Night Cherry Blossoms in Taiwan (1/30–2/29) and Part Two – March’s Purple Love Lavender (3/1–4/1).

The cherry blossoms at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village are mainly double-petal mountain cherries, so their blooming period is concentrated in February. As a result, visiting hours in February are extended until 8 PM, and afternoon tickets for night cherry blossom viewing are also available. In March, opening hours return to normal, but ticket discounts still apply, and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village’s special event tickets even include a free ride on the Sun Moon Lake Cable Car. The Cherry Blossom Festival special offer runs from 2012/1/30 to 4/1: culture village tickets are just 580 TWD, and February’s afternoon night cherry blossom tickets are an even better deal at just 450 TWD—get more for your money with one visit.

Traveling after the holidays helps you avoid the crowds, allowing you ample time to take the cable car, admire the cherry blossoms, and slowly explore the One Piece activity exhibition area. For details, visit the official Nine Tribes website: www.nine.com.tw/2012sakurafestival or call 049-2895361 for inquiries.