It's the perfect time to visit Nantou and admire the flowers during the Spring Festival.

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

The "2011 Nantou Flower Carnival," open since December 18, 2011, will be extended until January 29, 2012 (the end of the Lunar New Year holiday), according to an assessment of the flower conditions. The Nantou County Government Tourism Department also announced that if you spend over NT$1,000 in Nantou, stay at a licensed hotel or homestay, or take public transport to Nantou before the 27th, you can exchange for a lottery ticket. Prizes include a car, iPad2, iPhone4, and other top-tier 3C electronics.

Held at Chiding Farm next to Puitai High School in Puli Township, Nantou, the flower carnival has not only featured a dazzling array of blooms since its opening, but also attracted attention with the vibrant "Kubi Bear" located in the entrance image area. The bear’s floral attire technique originates from France, invented by Patrick Blanc, who developed a timed watering structure system that allows plants to grow on vertical walls, with tubes delivering water and nutrients to sustain plant growth.

In addition, many distinctive flowers in various towns across Nantou will also be in full bloom during the Lunar New Year period. Flower enthusiasts who enjoy cherry blossoms can visit along Provincial Highway 14 in Ren'ai Township, along the Puli-Wushe Road, as well as in Grass Head in Xinyi Township, various villages in Yuchi Township, the campus of National Chi Nan University, and the National Taiwan University Tea Garden in Lugu Township. Those who love plum blossoms can head to Fengkuidou and Wusong in Xinyi Township, Liuniukeng Liu Family Plum Garden, or to Jiufen'er Mountain in Guoxing Township, and the Heliuxiaozu Mutual Assistance Elementary School in Qingliu Tribe, Ren'ai Township.

Besides admiring the flowers, visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Taomi Community, Paper Dome, Guangxing Paper Workshop, and Paper Dragon Handicraft Museum. Puli Distillery, 18°C Chocolate Workshop, Sun Moon Old Tea Factory, and Xinyi Township Farmers’ Association Plum Dream Factory are all great options for souvenirs.

For more details, please visit the official website of the "2011 Nantou Flower Carnival" at travel.nantou.gov.tw/2011springflower, search online for the "LeLv Nantou Fan Page," or call the event hotline at (02)8502-1365 for inquiries.