Text by MOOK Travel Life Network’s Ren Xiang, compiled and reported
The 2013 Yangmingshan Flower Festival kicked off on the third day of the Lunar New Year, and on sunny days, the pink cherry blossoms against the blue sky are simply breathtaking!(Photo provided by MOOK Travel Life Network, photographed by Zhang Yingying)
New Taipei City – Xingxiu Temple
Cherry blossoms, azaleas, camellias, and plum blossoms growing along the slope form a beautiful landscape. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Yilan County – Qilan Forest
The Qilan Sacred Tree Garden is home to 62 native red cypresses and Taiwan incense cedars aged over 400 years, some even thousands of years old. Among them, 51 trees feature uniquely shaped trunks and varied forms. The garden is interconnected by a 3.1-kilometer-long trail, along which visitors can enjoy rich ecological scenery, including rare plants and animals such as Taiwanese coltsfoot, Taiwanese sumac, tree sparrows, tube-nosed birds, yellow-bellied fairy bluebirds, and broad-tailed swallowtails.
Qilan Forest Recreation Area also has a touching legend. It is said that a pair of Atayal lovers died here and were later transformed into a tree covered in orchids, hence the name. Covering a total area of about 1,700 hectares, the area is located at the confluence of the Lanyang River, Duowang River, and Tianguer River, featuring wide river valleys and naturally stunning scenery. With different flower seasons throughout the year, a romantic and colorful atmosphere can be felt at any time. In addition, this area has the densest concentration of sacred tree groves in the country, with over 60 trees in total. Walking along the sacred tree trail, besides enjoying a refreshing forest bath, looking up at the majestic sacred trees can also bring a sense of openness to the heart.
Qilan has different flower seasons throughout the year, offering a romantic and colorful atmosphere at any time. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Yilan County – Mingchi Forest Recreation Area
Mingchi Forest Recreation Area, together with Qilan Forest Recreation Area and the Sacred Tree Garden, forms the “Magao Ecological Park.” Located at an altitude of 1,150 to 1,700 meters, the area enjoys a cool climate and is a famous summer retreat in northern Taiwan.
Besides its rich forest landscapes, the alpine lake within the park is its most famous attraction. The scenery remains captivating no matter when you visit, and visitors can’t help but slow down to admire the lake and mountain views.
Other facilities such as Fuchun Pavilion, Water Harp Cave, and Jingshi Garden adopt abstract designs inspired by Zen forest and mountain landscapes, giving off a distinct feel of traditional Japanese gardens—an experience many visitors find fresh and fascinating.
In spring, cherry blossoms blanket the mountains and forests. Though the weather is cold, the fresh air makes everything feel vibrant and full of life. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Taipei City – National Father Memorial Hall
The grand National Father Memorial Hall is situated in the bustling East District shopping area. Not only is its architecture eye-catching, but it also serves as a multifunctional socio-cultural center, housing a national performance hall, exhibition spaces, a multimedia theater, and a well-stocked library. The flag-raising and lowering ceremonies are held daily at specific times, and there is also an hourly guard-changing ceremony during the day. The majestic and solemn building, paired with the lush green lawns surrounding the park, makes it an ideal spot for sightseeing and leisure. In spring and summer, cherry and peach blossoms bloom throughout the park, and its convenient location makes it a delightful place for an afternoon stroll.
The National Father Memorial Hall is an ideal spot for sightseeing and leisure. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
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