No need to travel far for cherry blossoms—head to the River of Hope in Tucheng or Tianyuan Temple!

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team

With the Spring Equinox approaching, Yoshino cherry blossoms have begun blooming across various districts of New Taipei City. On March 21, the Tucheng District Office held the “Left Bank Cherry Blossom Viewing at the River of Hope” event at the River of Hope Square in Tucheng District. The riverside is lined with blooming cherry blossoms and azaleas, and there are also a variety of performance activities engaging with visitors on-site. In addition, Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui currently has cherry blossoms nearing full bloom, and to accommodate the flower-viewing crowds, the temple is now open 24 hours a day.

The River of Hope in Tucheng District is located at the entrance of Lane 55, Yumin Road, Tucheng District. It’s one of the few cherry blossom viewing spots that can be reached by taking the MRT. Visitors only need to walk five minutes from Exit 3 of Haitan Station to reach the River of Hope Square. As the name of the event suggests, the left bank of the River of Hope has over 60 cherry blossom trees planted and cared for since 2011. Along the path are also planted flowering plants such as osmanthus, azaleas, and bougainvillea. The riverbank railings are decorated with bonsai plants like Asparagus setaceus, and over the years, the green corridor along the MRT has been transformed into a 1.6-kilometer ecological park filled with birdsong and floral scents. Currently, around 10–20% of the cherry blossoms are in bloom, while the path after the Land Temple section has 40–50% bloom coverage. On the day of the event, various performances including dance, sign language, and band shows will take place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, an eco-guided tour team composed of volunteers will provide ecological explanations for interested visitors.