Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department, compiled and reported
The Spring Flower Expo Park is a riot of colors, and hollyhocks are also in full, passionate bloom. After getting off at Yuanshan MRT Station, walk across the expansive lawn slope of the landscaped flower sea area, follow the winding path to the front of the celebrity hall with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, and before you unfolds the "quantity creates beauty" spectacle of hollyhocks. The large, colorful blooms intertwine in a dazzling display, as the ancients described: "Arrow-straight stems shoot forth, while jade-like flowers bloom one after another," majestically exuding a regal, palace-style grandeur.
The white art museum, set against the blue sky and vibrant hollyhocks, forms a beautiful scene. (Image source / Taipei City Public Works Bureau)
Stroll through the hollyhock fields for great photo opportunities. (Image source / Taipei City Public Works Bureau)
The Flower Expo Park connects the popular Yuanshan area, the art district showcasing various exhibitions, and the creatively designed Xinsheng district. The currently blooming hollyhocks will remain on display until late April to early May. Besides admiring the beautiful hollyhocks, you can also relax on the lawn and leisurely watch planes fly overhead.
The double-petal hollyhocks in the Flower Expo Park are vividly gorgeous. (Image source / Taipei City Public Works Bureau)
Since ancient times, hollyhocks have been used in imperial and wealthy family gardens to create a magnificent and imposing effect. The ancient Greeks and Romans even applied them in cooking and medicine, making this flower both beautiful and versatile.
The long hollyhock flower spikes can reach up to 2 meters in height. (Image source / Taipei City Public Works Bureau)
Native to Sichuan, China, the hollyhock is thus named "Shu kui" (Sichuan hollyhock), also known as "Dragon Boat Brocade" or "One-Zhang Red." It has a long flowering period, with almost every inch of its tall stems covered in blooms during its peak. The park currently cultivates both single-petal and double-petal varieties, in various colors including peach, pink, yellow, and deep purple, displaying a rich palette of large, vibrant blooms.
[Info]
Flower Expo Park
Opening Hours: Open all day
Hollyhock Exhibition Period: Late April to Early May