By MOOK Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported
The annual flower season event at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, managed by the Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau, runs from March 10 to April 10, lasting for one month. On March 10, an opening ceremony will be held in Zhapuding Park within the recreation area to welcome the bloom season.
Kazamatsuri cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Alishan Work Station. (Photo provided by Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Forestry Bureau)
The flower season opening ceremony featured a taiko drum performance for the first time, showcasing the majestic momentum of flowers blooming in full splendor. Zhao Yuhua, a volunteer from the Chiayi Forest District Office, performed a captivating seven-character tune that highlighted the unique features of Alishan Forest Railway stations, taking visitors on a journey through the forest railway. The event also invited elementary school students from Xianglin Elementary School in Alishan Township, Chiayi County, to present Lin Yuk-shu’s famous poem “Alishan Cherry Blossoms” and a traditional Hokkien folk performance “Ali Mountain’s Z?ㄙㄨ一拴” in unique ways. The highlight of the evening was the Taiwan Bamboo Orchestra, the only ensemble in Taiwan using bamboo as the primary material for its instruments. They performed popular flower-viewing suites, “High Mountain Green,” medleys of Hakka folk songs, and even Spanish bullfight dance music. Additionally, they invited the audience to interact with the Cajón (bamboo box drum).
Kazamatsuri cherry blossoms in full bloom forming a sea of flowers in front of the Alishan Work Station. (Photo provided by Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Forestry Bureau)
The park is home to up to 30 varieties of cherry blossoms, numbering nearly 3,000 trees. The King of Cherry Blossoms, a Somei Yoshino variety, has already bloomed two flowers as of March 6. Its full bloom depends on weather conditions but is expected around the end of March or early April. Other varieties such as mountain cherry, Kazamatsuri cherry, and Ryukyu kanzan cherry are already in bloom. Visitors can enjoy the blossoms along pedestrian paths designated for separating pedestrians and vehicles, or admire the Kazamatsuri cherry blossoms in front of the Alishan Work Station. They can also head to the newly popular photo spot—Boat Bridge—which has been awarded double gold recognition by the Executive Yuan's Public Construction Commission. Here, visitors can view the boat-shaped bridge spanning a tributary of the Alishan River, hand-laid stone revetments, and ripple-patterned cascade landscapes. Coinciding with the flower season is the submission period for the Alishan Literature Award. The Chiayi Forest District Office specially invites the public to visit Alishan to admire the beauty of blooming flowers, explore the traces of music, and capture their own hidden forests through literature.
The King of Alishan Cherry Blossoms, a Somei Yoshino variety, in bud. (Photo provided by Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Forestry Bureau)
During the flower season, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Directorate General of Highways will implement traffic management measures on six flower season holidays: March 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26. From 6–11 a.m. at the Chiayi end (Huditou, km 65.5 on Provincial Highway 18) and from 7–11 a.m. at the Nantou end (Tatachia, km 145 on Provincial Highway 21), small vehicles are prohibited unless holders possess relevant documentation (such as work permits or accommodation certificates) or under special circumstances (such as weddings, funerals, or celebrations).
Parking space within the recreation area is limited. Designated parking areas for buses and motorcycles have been set up along Provincial Highway 18 between km 87–88.2 outside the recreation area, and parking for passenger cars is available between km 88.5–95. Free shuttle buses will be provided daily from March 4 to April 10, operating from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m.–5 p.m. on holidays. Ten temporary shuttle stops have been established between km 89.5–95 along Provincial Highway 18 to transport visitors to and from the Alishan Entrance Transfer Station. Passengers taking the public shuttle bus can purchase tickets at the temporary ticket booth at km 61 on Alishan Highway (BaBa New Village) and enjoy a 25% discount (NT$150) on entrance fees.