Soak in hot springs and enjoy flowers in the New Year — Rhododendrons in Wulai are blooming vibrantly - HowToTrip

The New Year holidays are always cold, making a soak in Wulai’s hot springs the coziest choice for keeping the whole family warm. Besides enjoying the relaxing hot springs that soothe both body and mind, why not take a stroll and admire the beautiful rhododendrons? The New Taipei City Government Agriculture Bureau announced that the Wulai Rhododendron blossoms on the hiking trail behind Yunhai Elementary School in Shiding District will be in full bloom in just one to two weeks, adding a riot of colors to the trail. The public is welcome to come and enjoy the floral display.

Wulai Rhododendrons grow in misty mountainous areas. (Photo provided by Taipei International Flora Exposition)

Yunhai Elementary School is located on Section 5 of Beiyi Road in Shiding District, where the climate is well-suited for the growth of Wulai Rhododendrons. Therefore, the New Taipei City Government Agriculture Bureau designated this site as a cultivation and restoration area in 2006. Every spring, the area around Yunhai Elementary School is adorned with colorful blooms. Currently, many flower buds have already appeared in sunnier spots along the hiking trail, and they are expected to gradually bloom during the Spring Festival period.

New Taipei City’s mountainous areas feature many well-planned trails, perfect for family hiking trips. (Photo provided by Lion Travel)

The leaves and flowers of the Wulai Rhododendron are smaller than those of the more common rhododendron varieties. Though their colors may not be as varied, a closer look reveals their delicate charm and unique beauty. To view the Wulai Rhododendrons, you can start by walking up the stairs near the pond by the entrance of Yunhai Elementary School. The rhododendrons planted in slightly shadier areas may not be in the best bloom initially, but if you continue walking forward, you’ll soon encounter more stunning blossoms — it’s truly a case of “a hidden scene beyond the willows and bright flowers before the cottage,” offering visitors an extra treat.