The Yoshino cherry blossoms at Tianyuan Palace are in full bloom – the second-generation Cherry Blossom King becomes the new highlight!

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Tamsui Tianyuan Palace is a popular cherry blossom spot in northern Taiwan, especially the Yoshino cherry, which is the annual highlight. Thanks to stable weather this year, the Yoshino blossoms are in better condition than previous years, reaching 90% to full bloom. The spectacular sight of the blossoms in full glory makes visitors feel as if they are in Japan during cherry blossom season.

During the cherry blossom season, various types of cherry blossoms bloom in succession at Tamsui Tianyuan Palace, including mountain cherries, tricolor cherries, kanhizakura, and Japanese Yoshino cherries. Following the early bloom of tricolor cherries in January, the long-awaited Yoshino cherries have also now bloomed. Around 600 Yoshino cherry trees are planted around the Altar area, and with the recent good weather, a wave of cherry blossom viewers is expected.

Currently, the Yoshino cherries across the park are nearly fully bloomed, at 90–100%. Behind the large stone at the entrance, they are 100% in bloom (with 10% green buds), and near the power box behind the altar, they are also about 100% in bloom (with 10% green buds). Additionally, from now until March 31, traffic control will be implemented daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM depending on the blossom conditions. The restricted sections include both sides of Tianyuan Palace (Beixin Road from Shuiyuan Elementary School to Shanziding Camp Area) and Beisan Line (from Yangsheng Tree Community to Beixin Road).

In addition, the original Cherry Blossom King at Tianyuan Palace was uprooted due to disease in 2016. Thanks to efforts by the city government and Tianyuan Palace, a new Yoshino cherry has been planted in its original location. This second-generation Cherry Blossom King has become the new focus of the cherry blossom experience at Tianyuan Palace this year. The new Cherry Blossom King, located to the left of the parking lot stairs, is currently 30% in bloom.