It's not just calla lilies—Eighty thousand azaleas erupt in bloom on Yangmingshan

Written/Compiled and Reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Travel Life Network

As winter draws to a close and March arrives, Yangmingshan is not only graced by the dreamy blossoms of calla lilies, but also by azaleas brimming with flower buds that have already taken over the space once occupied by green leaves. These buds are poised and ready, waiting for this cold spell to pass before revealing their annual floral beauty. The azalea blooming season has officially begun.

The azalea is the city flower of Taipei. From March to May each year, when various types of azaleas are in bloom, they always transform parks into vibrant gardens full of blossoms. Azaleas can be spotted throughout the city—from streets and alleys to mountainous areas and flatlands. If you want to admire the breathtaking beauty of a "where there’s quantity, there’s beauty" azalea-lined path, then you must not miss the azalea road along Hubin Road heading toward Yangmingshan Park. When a total of eighty thousand azaleas bloom together, visitors can’t help but stop and linger, reluctant to leave. Among them, the Yangmingshan Park is home to the greatest number of golden velvety azaleas. The largest of these measures three meters in diameter and nearly two meters in height. When sunlight hits, the golden fuzz on the leaves glimmers brilliantly, while the brick-red flowers stand out vividly against the fresh greens of spring.

If you want to see a variety of azalea species, be sure to visit the Flower Research Center. Each plant is of a different variety, and currently, over 80 varieties—both self-cultivated and introduced—have been collected. The Flower Research Center also features native Taiwanese azalea species such as the Wulai azalea, Xishi azalea, and Shoucheng Mountain Azalea, all of which are a feast for the eyes.

Additionally, at the entrances of 228 Peace Park and Jieshou Park, the azalea blooming season always attracts many visitors looking to take commemorative photos. Among them, the blooms of the Hirado azalea are particularly dazzling, with colors ranging from white, red, pink, to purple, all competing brilliantly in a mix of hues. The flower buds are now abundant. Beyond Yangmingshan, azaleas can also be spotted within the city. Large parks such as Linsen, Kangle, Rongxing Garden, Qianshan Park, Civic Square and surrounding municipal government areas, Xinglong Park, and Nangang Park all offer a colorful display of azaleas.