Azalea River Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Nantou’s “Little Switzerland,” Creating a Dreamy Pink Tunnel

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
Spring cherry blossom viewing has become a nationwide trend across Taiwan. In central Taiwan, apart from the well-known blossoms at Wuling Farm and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Lugu Township in Nantou County is a hidden gem for locals. Among its highlights is the pink cherry blossom tunnel at Phoenix Nature Education Park, which is especially romantic.

Phoenix Nature Education Park has planted over 300 cherry blossom trees, including varieties such as Azalea River (Kawazu), double-petal (Yaezakura), Yoshino, mountain cherry, and Wushe cherries. The pink cherry blossom tunnel is formed by Azalea River cherries planted along both sides of the 333 Stone Steps pathway. As you walk up the stone steps, delicate pink petals bloom everywhere, creating a dreamlike scene straight out of a fairy tale—so beautiful it takes your breath away. At the top of the cherry blossom path, you can enjoy the view from a wooden observation deck, overlooking Qilin Pond, the tea fields of Dongding Mountain, and the Zhuoshui River basin. The scenery is majestic and picturesque, earning it the nickname “Little Switzerland of the East.” If you’re lucky, you might even catch a breathtaking sea of clouds. Additionally, the park features Taiwan’s most distinctive camellia specimen garden, with over 300 cultivars of camellias competing in beauty and brilliance. Strolling along the 3-kilometer forest bathing trail offers a refreshing return to nature and a sense of simplicity.