Welcome the Year of the Monkey – 2015 Shilin Official Residence Chrysanthemum Exhibition Brings Journey to the West to Life

Text / Edited and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Department
 

With crisp autumn breezes in the air, the Shilin Official Residence Chrysanthemum Exhibition kicks off in grand style from November 14 to 29. To mark the arrival of the Year of the Monkey, the Taipei City Government’s Parks and Street Lights Office has specially themed this year’s event as “Playful Autumn Chrysanthemums,” using a variety of chrysanthemum flowers to create lively and fun “Journey to the West” landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy the blooms while immersing themselves in a classic Chinese literary masterpiece.

This year’s “Playful Autumn Chrysanthemums” exhibition features nine major display areas, including “Journey to the West – Flaming Mountains,” “Ox-King Gets Married,” “Rolling in the East Sea,” “Enchanting – Spider Cave,” “Peach Garden,” “Monkey Awesome,” “Fantastic Journey to the West,” “Dreamy Play,” and “Flower-Revealed Journey to the West.” Various chrysanthemum species, such as large upright chrysanthemums, large chrysanthemums, and small chrysanthemums, are used to craft these themed displays.

In past chrysanthemum exhibitions, the large upright chrysanthemum has always been a major highlight. In fact, the large upright chrysanthemum is not a specific type of chrysanthemum, but rather a cultivation method—by continuously pruning and pinching back the plant, a single chrysanthemum can produce thousands of uniformly sized, neatly arranged blossoms. Starting with 180 blossoms in 2004, the number has steadily increased, reaching 1,580 by 2014. This year, it’s exciting to see how many blossoms will be presented in the large upright chrysanthemum display. Throughout the event’s weekends, cultural, musical, and DIY activities are also planned, and there are discounted shops nearby, making the chrysanthemum-viewing experience both relaxing and enjoyable for visitors.

Additionally, those visiting Shilin to see the chrysanthemums can plan a light trip that includes side trips to Beitou and Yangmingshan.
● Recommended Itinerary for a Beitou Light Trip:
Shilin Official Residence → Beitou Library → Beitou Hot Springs → Museum → Geothermal Valley → Soak in the Beitou Hot Spring Area
● Recommended Itinerary for a Yangmingshan Light Trip:
Shilin Official Residence → National Palace Museum → Flower Research and Experiment Center → Asia’s Largest Former U.S. Military Dependents’ Housing Complex → Yangmingshan Park → Soak in the Yangmingshan Hot Spring Area