Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Mother’s Day has just passed, and daylilies, known as China’s “mother flower,” are now gradually blooming at Baishi Lake. Alongside the lilies, which represent purity and grace and are in full bloom, they create a vibrant contrast of orange and white. The flowering period is expected to continue until around late May. Those who haven’t gone flower viewing yet this year can seize this final golden period to take their moms to Xintong Pool for a relaxing time, enjoy the flowers, and take commemorative photos with these two mother flowers that rarely bloom simultaneously.
Daylilies and lilies are in full bloom at Baishi Lake, making it a great time for a day trip to admire the flowers. (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Chen Jianfan, head of the Department of Urban Development, said that the Baishi Lake area is a community built around the theme of “happiness.” It is one of the key agricultural environment improvement communities managed by the department in recent years. Among them, “Xintong Pool” was created through clever planning and design, using filled soil on the inner ring and naturally formed spring water areas on the outer ring to create a double-layered heart shape inside and out, symbolizing the elegant scene of “hearts beating as one.” Paired with the “Yongjie Pavilion” by the pool, it forms the imagery of “tying the knot of love.” Whenever lilies and daylilies bloom in May, many couples are drawn here to take photos and leave tokens of their love.
Now is the perfect time to admire the beautiful sea of lilies. (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Currently, two varieties of lilies are planted around Xintong Pool: Taiwanese lilies and Trumpet lilies. Both are endemic to Taiwan and look very similar at first glance. However, Trumpet lilies have pure white petals both inside and out, with broader and shorter leaves, and each plant produces10~15flowers. Taiwanese lilies have white petals with wine-red stripes and leaves that are noticeably smaller than those of Trumpet lilies. In addition to taking photos among the flowers, visitors can also learn to distinguish the differences between these two types of lilies.
The beautiful sea of flowers attracts photography enthusiasts. (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Those who wish to drive to Baishi Lake can exit at Chenggong Road Interchange, turn left toward Donghu along Jinlong Road, then proceed via Bishan Road to follow the signs to Bishan Rock (parking lot), and then hike to Baishi Lake via the Baishi Lake Suspension Bridge. For public transportation, take bus routes 小2 or 小2 (short-haul) from Bihu Elementary School Station (near DEPO Mall) to reach the destination. The public is encouraged to use public transport.