By MOOK Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
Cherry blossom viewing in early spring has become a popular leisure activity across Taiwan in recent years. Covering an area of 150 hectares, National Chi Nan University is surrounded by green mountains and blue skies. On its 20-hectare lawn, thousands of Taiwan mountain cherry and Japanese Somei-yoshino cherry trees have begun to bloom beautifully. The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration, National Chi Nan University, and the Dapuli Area Tourism Development Association are once again hosting a cherry blossom event at the university’s cherry grove from January 28 to February 16, around Lunar New Year. This event combines “cherry blossoms” with “Chinese tea ceremony,” inviting both domestic and international visitors to “enjoy fine tea and admire cherry blossoms” under thousands of blooming trees, and to spend a romantic and colorful cozy afternoon.
This year’s Chi Nan University Cherry Blossom Tea Appreciation will kick off on January 28. (Photo provided by National Chi Nan University)
Among this year’s series of events, the “Flower Appreciation & Tea Ceremony” on February 8 will feature high mountain oolong from Ren’ai Township and black tea from Yuchi Township as the star brews. There will be grand tea gatherings in the morning and afternoon, each accepting 200 participants. The fee is NT$300 per person, and attendees will receive a set of cherry blossom commemorative teacups, including one scent cup and one drinking cup. Visitors can also enjoy a professional tea master-led tea session along with live music performances. On February 15, there will be one “Reserve-a-Cherry-Blossom-Tree Tea Gathering” in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each session accommodates 100 groups (fee: NT$200 per group), with each group assigned a numbered cherry blossom tree area. Participants can bring their own mats and tea sets to enjoy tea with friends. Hot water and live music will be provided on-site. Visitors are also welcome to book a blooming cherry blossom tree during the season, bring their own tea ware and mat, and invite family and friends to leisurely enjoy the flowers and tea under the blossoming branches.
Enjoying tea under the radiant and colorful cherry blossoms is truly poetic. (Photo provided by Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)
On regular days, visiting the Chi Nan University campus only requires a NT$50 parking fee. Residents of Puli, Yuchi, Guoxing, and Ren’ai townships can park for free upon presenting ID. Parking is also free on the two tea event days, February 8 and 15. For the “Flower Appreciation & Tea Ceremony” and the “Reserve-a-Cherry-Blossom-Tree Tea Gathering,” please check the “Seasonal Events” page on the official website of National Chi Nan University.
● Further Reading:
New Taipei Romantic Cherry Blossom Season – Photography Contest Kicks Off Early
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