Cool off this summer by admiring hydrangeas at the Xuebao Leisure Farm

Over 20 years ago, the farm owner Fan Zengda, driven by passion and vision, transformed a barren piece of land in the mountains into a “Little Switzerland of Taiwan.” Through his dedicated efforts in cultivating and improving hydrangea varieties, combined with the unique geographical environment at an altitude of 1,913 meters, the hydrangeas here grow exceptionally large and beautiful. This has made the Xuebao Leisure Farm’s hydrangea season what it is today — a serene paradise nestled within the Xuebao mountain forests.

The hydrangeas grown on the leisure farm mostly belong to the species “Hydrangea macrophylla,” which is native to Japan and mainland China. It was introduced to Europe from Japan in the 18th century, and there are now over 500 cultivated varieties. The hydrangeas commonly seen by the public are actually composed of hundreds of tiny flowers clustered together. Their leaves are opposite, with serrated, round, or oval shapes, and their fruits are capsules. What we usually see are the sterile flowers, which feature 3–6 large, attractive sepals at the top of the flower head, with each small flower about 5 to 6 cm in diameter. The fertile flowers are small and inconspicuous, located at the base of the flower cluster.

A colorful array of hydrangea varieties. Photo provided by Hsinchu County Government

Visitors planning to hike up to Xuebao to admire the flowers should bring along a light jacket due to the high-altitude and cooler temperatures. In addition to viewing the hydrangea season, travelers can also stop by local indigenous villages to sample fresh and delicious peaches. There are several scenic viewpoints along the way up the mountain where visitors can rest and take in the breathtaking views. For those wishing to stay longer on the mountain, the Xuebao Leisure Farm offers a range of services including accommodation, meals, afternoon tea, sightseeing, DIY activities, and guided tours — all worth checking out.


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