Romantic May Skies: Tainan’s Golden Rain Season Has Arrived

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

Every year from May to June, the golden rain trees in Tainan are in full bloom. The Tainan City Government is holding the 2015 Tiger Head Pond Golden Rain Cassia Festival from May 24 to June 14, featuring a range of events including cricket fighting contests, canoeing experiences, photography competitions, and sketching contests, inviting visitors to come and enjoy the vibrant beauty of the blooming cassia trees.

Tiger Head Pond is located at the eastern foot of Tiger Head Mountain in Xinhua. With cooler temperatures and higher humidity from the reservoir, the cassia flowering season here is about two weeks later than in the plains. It is expected that by late May, the cassia trees in the park will be in full bloom. The cassia trees in Tiger Head Pond are of the Indian native variety, with more flowers and fewer leaves, making their colors even more striking. Coupled with this year’s lack of rainfall, the trees have shed a significant number of leaves. To survive, they are expected to bloom especially brilliantly this year. When the golden petals flutter down with the wind, they create a dreamy atmosphere.

The Tainan Tiger Head Pond Golden Rain Cassia Festival has been held since 2008. This year marks its 8th edition under the theme “Flower Viewing, Cricket Fighting, and Fun Play.” In addition to the photography competition, the event also includes cricket fighting contests, canoeing experiences, sketching contests, and concerts. A special mascot named “Mr. Cricket,” wearing a cassia flower crown, has been designed for photo opportunities with visitors. Beyond the blooming cassia trees at Tiger Head Pond, the golden rain spectacle can already be seen across many parts of Tainan. Around the Tainan High-Speed Rail Station, cassia blossoms are also in full display, creating a dazzling golden landscape.