By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
Each year from late January to early February, the mountains of Taipei gradually shed their dry, yellow hues and don fresh, pinkish-red tones — the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, gracefully beckoning everyone to step outdoors and embrace nature, welcoming the arrival of spring. Many hiking trails across Taipei are lined with native or early-planted cherry trees, which have now grown quite tall. When they bloom, the vibrant colors create a spectacular sight. Hiking while admiring the blossoms is not only healthy and relaxing but also offers a truly romantic experience.
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy cherry blossoms — Taipei City offers 22 cherry blossom hiking trails to choose from. (Photo provided by the Taipei City Government Department of Public Works, Bureau of Urban Development)
Huang Liyuan, head of the Bureau of Urban Development, said that Beitou District has the highest density of cherry blossoms in Taipei. He recommends starting from the Baike Villa Trail and heading toward the Yongchunliao Trail and Shangqing Temple Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass by popular cherry blossom spots such as Baike Villa, Anguo Temple, Shangqing Temple, and the Wu Family Ancestral Hall. Near the Zhongzheng Mountain trailhead on the Yongchunliao Trail, you can find a colorful sea of flowers — a hidden garden visited by fewer people.
Additionally, the Fengwei Trail runs through a cherry sapling nursery. Starting in early spring, the hillsides are almost entirely covered in a pink forest of cherry blossoms, offering an awe-inspiring experience. The Huzihou Trail and Shuiche Liao Trail in Zhuzihu not only feature cherry blossoms but also camellias.
Xia Xiantong, head of the Roads and Trails Section at the Bureau of Urban Development, said that in Shilin District, Pingdingshi and Yangmingshan Park, along with Zhuzihu, are known as the top three cherry blossom viewing spots in Taipei. The Zhulin Trail on Section 42, Pingjing Street, in Shilin’s Pingdingshi features mainly mountain cherries, mostly concentrated near the Hefeng Restaurant. The Pingding Ancient Canal Trail, from the Pingdingshi Bus Stop to the Qingfeng Pavilion section, is dominated by Yoshino cherry trees. When cherry blossom season arrives in Pingdingshi, your eyes will be greeted by stunning clusters of pink tree canopies. The Shuiguan Trail, descending from the Aifu Third Street trailhead to the Songxi riverside, is planted mainly with mountain cherries, double-flowered cherries, and Showa cherries.
Beyond Beitou and Shilin, the Bixi Trail in “Taipei’s Little Xiaotou” in Neihu District, near the Bishan Camping Area Trail, also features beautiful mountain cherry blossoms. The Dagouxi Riverside Trail has a significant number of mountain cherry trees, and is just a 10-minute walk from Dahu Park MRT Station. Meanwhile, the Bishan Rock Trail showcases mountain cherries, double-flowered cherries, and Yoshino cherries. The sight of crimson cherry blossoms alongside the purple Bishanhu Suspension Bridge creates a picturesque scene — not only can you enjoy the cherry blossoms, but you can also stroll across the bridge.
The Bureau of Urban Development noted that in the popular tourist area of Muzha in Wenshan District, the Camphor and Zhanghu Trails are surrounded by cherry trees. The Feilong Trail, near the Zhongzheng Second Road trailhead within National Chengchi University, boasts a vast sea of cherry blossoms. The Zhinan Temple Trail also has numerous cherry trees. Walking from the MRT Zhinan Temple Station toward the Grand Buddha’s Hall, you’ll be greeted by a path lined with blooming cherry trees — a floral sea drifting like a cloud belt through the mountains. The breathtaking beauty is best appreciated onsite.
Xinyi District is no less charming. Starting from the Hushanxi Trail via the entrance next to the Songshan Cihui Temple, you can take close-up photos with cherry blossoms right in front of the Four Beasts Square. The Hushan Mid-slope Trail near Fuxing Garden and Shifang Chan Temple is also planted with mountain cherries that bloom vibrantly and beautifully. The Hushan Ecological Trail is lined with relatively old cherry trees — their thick trunks and broad canopies make for eye-catching blooms. The Tiaomi Ancient Trail, stretching from the Wuxing Street entrance to the God of Wealth Temple, is another great option for cherry blossom viewing. For detailed trail information, visit the Hiking Trails section on the Bureau of Urban Development’s official website.
● Extended Reading:
A mini-trip to cherry blossom spots in New Taipei: The hidden gem “Shiding Xiaogetou Nursery” opens to the public for a limited time
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