50% of calla lilies in Zhuzihu are in bloom: Top five streamside trails for flower viewing in Yangmingshan

The Zhuzihu area is located in the heart of Yangmingshan National Park. Han people began settling and cultivating the land here in the early years. During the Japanese colonial period, the region’s unique terrain and climate were found to be suitable for growing experimental rice. In 1923, the Japanese established the Ponlai Rice Seed Field in Zhuzihu to cultivate high-quality seed strains, earning it the title of the birthplace of Ponlai rice. Historically, Zhuzihu was divided into three enclosed areas—Donghu (East Lake), Dinghu (Top Lake), and Xiahu (Lower Lake). Near the entrance to Zhuzihu along the Yangjin Highway lies “Donghu.” After crossing a small bridge, the road splits: going straight north leads to “Dinghu” (the northernmost area), while turning left leads to “Xiahu.” In the late Qing Dynasty, Zhuzihu was used for rice cultivation. In the 1960s, the original seed field office in Zhuzihu closed, and the area transitioned to growing high-mountain vegetables. About a decade ago, the region shifted to cultivating flowers such as calla lilies. Spring in Yangmingshan is a season of constant change, with various types of flowers blooming throughout the area. We’ll tell the story and wait for you to listen.

Huang Liyuan, head of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, said that the upper reaches of Zhuzihu have steep slopes and fast-flowing water, often leading to severe erosion during heavy rains. The bureau used near-natural engineering methods to restore the streams and transformed existing agricultural pathways into five streamside trails: the “Dinghu Circular Trail,” “Calla Lily Circular Trail,” “Literary Trail,” “Hudi Circular Trail,” and “Zhuzihu Circular Trail.” These trails connect the five areas of Zhuzihu: Dinghu, Xiahu, Hudi, Donghu, and Shuiwei. Walking times on these trails range from 10 to 50 minutes, each offering different scenery.

 

The Soil and Water Conservation Bureau recommends the following: For those wanting to admire vast fields of calla lilies, the majestic views of Xiaoyuekeng, egrets, and small terraced fields, head to the Dinghu Circular Trail in the Dinghu area, which winds along the stream. The path is gentle and suitable for all ages, with a walking time of around 20 minutes. To see old waterwheels left by early farmers, ecological ponds, and a circular splash play area, visit the Calla Lily Circular Trail in the Xiahu area, also a 20-minute walk. For those interested in listening to the babbling brook, playing among rocks, small hills, and terraced mountain slopes, the Literary Trail in the Shuiwei area is ideal, taking just 10 minutes. To get a bird’s-eye view of the hillside calla lily fields, go to the Hudi Circular Trail, with a 15-minute walk. The longest trail is the Zhuzihu Circular Trail, which starts at Hutian Bridge, connecting Donghu, Dinghu, Shuiwei, and Xiahu into a loop around the mountains via trails and roads. The walk takes about 50 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque scenery of Zhuzihu.