By Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network, compiled and reported
One of the most important tourism events in Hualien every August—the Hualien Golden Needle Flower Festival—is set to take place this month. August is the peak blooming season for golden needle flowers, which carpet the mountains in vibrant yellow. Key locations include Chikuo Mountain, Liushishi Mountain, and Taimali in eastern Taiwan—all major golden needle flower destinations. Visiting these mountains now allows you to experience the captivating charm of these golden blooms.
The sea of golden needle flowers across the mountains creates a picturesque scene that is truly unforgettable. (Photo provided by the Chinese Green Lifestyle Leisure Development Association)
This year’s Golden Needle Flower Festival runs from August 1 to September 25. These brightly colored, vibrant flowers, often referred to as the “beauty of a day,” typically bloom in full splendor during August and September. With their radiant yellow hues and diverse forms, they attract many visitors who travel far and wide to witness the magnificent golden sea of blossoms. In the early morning, the flowers remain tightly closed, but as the sun rises, they gradually bloom into smiling faces. Different times of day offer different enchanting views. Staying overnight at a local homestay is recommended if possible, allowing you to enjoy close encounters with the golden needle flowers throughout the day, early morning, and night.
During this summer, Chikuo Mountain and Liushishi Mountain in Hualien are expected to showcase the largest expanse of golden needle flower seas ever, thanks to the flower-retention policies promoted by the Hualien County Government. The flowers are forecasted to reach their peak bloom in mid-to-late August. Liushishi Mountain, located northeast of Fuli Township at an altitude of about 800 meters, offers a commanding view from its highest point, the Wangyou Pavilion. The scenery is as layered and picturesque as a European landscape painting, with the Central Mountain Range and Huatung Valley stretching into the distance, and slopes and valleys adorned with seas of golden needle flowers that look like luxurious orange-yellow carpets spread across the mountain forests, green fields, and rooftops.
The Chinese Green Lifestyle Leisure Development Association will also launch two three-day “Golden Charm Tour of Liushishi Mountain” packages on August 24–26 and August 30–September 1. These tours will take visitors through the golden flower seas of Liushishi Mountain, enjoy golden needle flower-flavored meals, and visit an Amis tribal village. Participants will explore a cultural and natural ecological reserve, experience the ancient way of life of the Amis people, and observe the beauty of wetland ecosystems. For more details, visit the website: www.g-life.org.tw.
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Soak in the sea of golden needle flowers and feel the tranquility and leisure of Eastern Taiwan. (Photo provided by the Chinese Green Lifestyle Leisure Development Association)