Explore the Hakka tung blossom mountain villages and immerse yourself in the enchanting osmanthus fragrance of Nanzhuang

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Many people’s understanding of Hakka culture mostly revolves around the season when tung blossoms bloom; however, in Nanzhuang, the Hakka mountain town in Miaoli, besides tung blossoms, there are also delicately fragrant osmanthus flowers currently in bloom. From August each year to March of the following year, visiting the charming town of Nanzhuang is the perfect time to enjoy the osmanthus fragrance. Wandering through the mountain town surrounded by peaks, accompanied by the pervasive scent of osmanthus, feels as if you’ve stepped into a painting and entered a magical dreamland.

Nanzhuang has specially developed diverse uses for the locally abundant osmanthus, which can be used for making tea, brewing wine, producing honey, cooking, and more. Furthermore, a variety of osmanthus products have been developed to attract eager visitors. In addition, bamboo shoots, trout, and mushrooms are also three of Nanzhuang’s specialty products. When visiting Nanzhuang, be sure to try several Hakka dishes and savor the most authentic Hakka flavors.

To help the public gain a better understanding of Nanzhuang and Hakka culture, the Council for Hakka Affairs under the Executive Yuan has specially published the "Visiting Tung Blossom Hidden Realms – 'Seeking Tranquility Along Snowy Paths'" series of monographs on tung blossoms. The book provides detailed introductions to many tung blossom viewing routes and scenic spots beyond Nanzhuang, allowing everyone to further sample various Hakka specialty cuisines and experience the unadorned beauty of the “most hospitable” culture.

From Pingxi in New Taipei City, Baoshan, Qionglin, and Hengshan in Hsinchu, to Toufen, Dahu, Gongguan, Zaoqiao, and Nanzhuang in Miaoli, every year during the tung blossom season, snow-white flowers reminiscent of poetry gently fall across the island, like an elegantly graceful dance performance that connects the beautiful landscapes throughout Taiwan. At this moment, while we savor the captivating fragrance of osmanthus in Miaoli’s Nanzhuang, we also eagerly await the beautiful sights the Hakka tung blossoms will bring this year. For related information, please visit: itraveler.pixnet.net/blog "Top Ten Selected Tung Blossom Hidden Routes."