Nantou Xinyi: Viewing the First Snow at the Liu Family Plum Garden

From afar, it looks as if a misty white snow covers the treetops, and when the white michelia blooms, it's like the first snowfall of winter, utterly enchanting. Yes, today, traveler Xi’s footsteps have brought her to “Nantou Xinyi Township.”

Speaking of Nantou, it’s truly a favorite of Sister Xi’s lately. Whenever there’s a slightly longer weekend, Nantou is always the first destination that comes to mind.

And this season suddenly reminded Sister Xi of last year at this time, when I first encountered the white michelia at the “Xinyi Township Liu Family Plum Garden.” Right?! (Slaps forehead) It’s that time of year again for the white michelia to bloom. Though it’s not quite the season for plum blossoms yet—just a little too early—but the snowy-white sight of the blooming white michelia is still a sight worth exploring.

But honestly, is the white michelia about admiring the tree or the flowers? Sister Xi could never quite figure it out. Later, after turning to Google for answers, she learned that the flowers of the white michelia are actually terminal umbellate inflorescences, and what people usually admire are its white bracts—each flower has five bracts.

Ohhh, now I finally get it!! (What a poetic name!) Alright, then let Sister Xi take everyone on a trip to the “Liu Family Plum Garden,” to enjoy the beautiful sight of the snow-like whiteness covering the treetops in the right season!! (laughs)

Whew!! Just as we arrived at the outer ring road of the “Liu Family Plum Garden,” Sister Xi was immediately drawn to the blooming white michelias lining the roadside, repeatedly exclaiming how pretty they were, how pretty!!

This is Sister Xi’s second visit to the famous plum blossom viewing spot, the “Liu Family Plum Garden,” but for two years in a row, she’s come to see the white michelia and never actually witnessed the plum blossoms in full bloom. But upon arriving here, she realized that the “Liu Family Plum Garden” is really well laid out.

And those pure white white michelias behind Sister Xi are quietly waiting to meet all of you travelers. Can’t wait!! Oh, right!!

Alright then!! Let’s move on ahead and fully enjoy this wonderful encounter with a Christmas-like first snow!! GO!! As soon as we entered the “Liu Family Plum Garden,” indeed, there wasn’t a single plum blossom in sight, but the beautiful presence of the white michelia made Sister Xi feel that this trip was totally worth it. It’s really so pretty!!

The white michelias before our eyes are as beautiful as white snow, their entire bodies covered in flowers as pure as white snow, just like the treetops being blanketed in thick snow. Whew!! It’s just like that beautiful snowy scenery of the northern lands appearing right before Sister Xi’s eyes.
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The white michelia is quite suitable for planting in courtyards or as a potted plant, and it does an excellent job of creating a festive winter atmosphere.

The white michelia originally comes from Mexico, and in Taiwan, it’s usually around Christmas time when you can see its beautiful presence. The white michelia has a fairly long flowering period, roughly from November to January of the following year.

Earlier, Sister Xi mentioned that she had always been confused about whether the white michelia is about admiring the tree or the flowers. Well, here’s the answer.

In the autumn and winter, the white michelia sprouts white bracts, forming a beautiful snowy-white color. Because it looks as if the tree is covered in snow, it’s called the white michelia, snowflake tree, or affectionately referred to by the Japanese as the “Snow White Princess.”

Even Sister Xi feels wrapped in a happy atmosphere under the backdrop of the white michelia. (laughs)

On the uphill slope opposite the “Liu Family Plum Garden,” there are also plenty of poinsettias in bloom, which are plants of the same family and genus as the white michelia. One has bright red flower bracts, while the other has delicate white ones. When placed together, they complement each other and enhance the Christmas atmosphere even more.

A friend said that although the plum trees at the “Liu Family Plum Garden” haven’t bloomed yet, the twisted and withered branches of the plum trees contrasted with the blooming white michelia actually have a unique charm.

Hehe, to be honest, Sister Xi thinks so too!! Each has its own beauty, but hey plum trees, just hang in there a little longer. Your time to shine will come soon enough.

Returning to today’s main star, the white michelia, it sprouts white bracts in the autumn and winter, forming a beautiful snowy-white color, as if the tree is covered in snow. It’s truly beautiful.

Hahaha, having looked at the white michelia for so long, Sister Xi kindly added some red flowers to balance things out a bit for you guys.

Tens of thousands of pure white flowers in full bloom, like white petals falling, as if you’re in a world of snow-laden trees in the north. But it was only when Sister Xi took a closer look that she realized—it’s actually the “white michelia” performing a magical trick, attracting travelers to come and admire.

Look at this little girl over here, she’s dancing, she’s dancing, yes she’s dancing!! No doubt about it, my little girl is part of the school dance club and loves to bust a move whenever she can, no matter where she is!! So she’s currently singing and practicing her dance moves.

And as for that mischievous girl up there, the guy’s not any better—he’s gotten silly too, copying the teacher and practicing moves for fun. (Seriously, who are these two’s parents??)

As mentioned earlier, both the white michelia and the poinsettia are plants of the same family and genus but different species, yet their colors are worlds apart. But as long as you come to the “Liu Family Plum Garden,” you’ll definitely be visually satisfied.

The white michelia is originally from Mexico, can grow up to 2 meters tall, blooms in autumn and winter, and has a long flowering period. With its tree covered in white flowers, it looks like it’s snowing from afar, hence the name white michelia.

The white michelia isn’t hard to care for. It likes water but doesn’t like waterlogging, enjoys sunlight, and if there’s insufficient sunlight, its blooms won’t be as spectacular.

The sky was so blue that day, and the blue sky made the white michelia appear even more pure and flawless, making Sister Xi on the other side of the lens completely enchanted. It’s really so pretty!!
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Next, we headed to the wooden boardwalk located right opposite the “Liu Family Plum Garden.” Since Sister Xi couldn’t resist her curiosity, she wanted to climb up high and take in the view — maybe to discover a beautiful new perspective. This is the second little surprise of the “Liu Family Plum Garden”: the most iconic plant of Christmas — the large and vibrant poinsettia — appears right before our eyes, Up!

The wooden boardwalk isn’t very long, and at the end there’s an observation platform. But the beautiful scenery before us still caught Sister Xi’s eye, so let’s go take a look!

This breathtaking view from above made Sister Xi love the “Liu Family Plum Garden” even more. It actually holds so many surprises for visitors. When the plum blossoms are in full bloom, Sister Xi and Martin have already agreed — they must come back again to fully enjoy this wonderful atmosphere.

In fact, the “Liu Family Plum Garden” also sells light meals and drinks. Travelers who are interested might as well take a break here. (Need to use the restroom too? No problem!)

The snow-white ochna trees, as if covered with a layer of snowflakes, have thick green branches covered with white bracts — just like the first snowfall of Christmas, quietly heralding the start of this winter. Do you all like this beautiful early winter snow? If you have the chance, be sure to visit the “Liu Family Plum Garden” and enjoy the blissful atmosphere surrounded by this early snow!
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(By the way, it’s possible that not many people knew the ochna trees at the “Liu Family Plum Garden” had already bloomed, so that day, Sister Xi’s family pretty much had the place to themselves!)