By MOOK Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
Every February ushers in the cherry blossom blooming season, attracting throngs of tourists to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou to bask in the colorful and romantic sea of blossoms. The 13th annual Sun Moon Lake Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Festival is set to begin on February 1. When the over 5,000 double-petal Somei Yoshino cherry trees in the park burst into bloom, they not only become Taiwan's largest cherry blossom event but also the only overseas site certified as a "preferred cherry blossom viewing spot" by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. In addition to the breathtaking daytime cherry blossom scenery, this year’s event will feature nighttime light shows with symphonic music and colorful projections, as well as cherry blossom tea gatherings, sketching competitions, and photography contests, allowing the public to enjoy the spring cherry blossom feast in diverse ways.
Entering its 13th year, the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Festival is set to launch on February 1. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
The Japan Cherry Blossom Association certified Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village as an overseas “Preferred Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot” this year. This marks the first time the association has given such an overseas certification since selecting the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan” in 1990. The double-petal Somei Yoshino cherry trees in the park reliably begin blooming in February, reaching full bloom by mid-month. With over 5,000 cherry trees on the grounds, their voluminous layered petals in vivid crimson create a dense, resplendent spectacle that draws visitors year after year to admire the romantic blooms.
This year’s cherry blossom festival will also welcome the 24th generation Japanese Cherry Blossom Queen for a goodwill visit and commemorative plaque unveiling. Park highlights include the adorable Cherry Bear / Owl Cherry rest areas, carp streamers welcoming the spring blossoms, the Night Owl Guardian Zone for night cherry views, and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Market. Some park shuttle buses will be transformed into Chopper (One Piece character) Cherry Blossom shuttles. Additional performances include the Pine Garden Original Dance, the “Crimson Cherry in the Wind” cherry blossom dance creation, the nighttime “Night Dance Festival,” and the Cherry Blossom Lake Night Theater. Furthermore, two cherry blossom tea gatherings are scheduled for February 17 and 23. Featuring Japanese tea ceremony instructor Kudo Sonoko and tea masters Zhang Shuzhen, Huang Qionghui, Liu Tingyu from Zhenzang Tea House, and Zhang Wenhui from Eya Tea Academy, these sessions will showcase tea culture and etiquette from Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Tea enthusiasts can gather by the Cherry Blossom Lake to sip fine Sun Moon Lake teas and enjoy the falling petals.
The cherry blossom sketching competition will take place on February 24 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, divided into watercolor and oil painting categories. Registration is available online and on-site, with results announced on February 26. The first prize in the watercolor category comes with a NT$40,000 award, while the oil painting first prize earns NT$50,000. Winning entries will be exhibited at Sun Moon Lake Station from March 8 to April 7. The photography contest accepts submissions until April 7, with the top prize being NT$30,000.
To coincide with the flower season, from February 1 to April 7, admission to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is discounted to NT$580, and the Night Cherry Afternoon Ticket is NT$450. These tickets include access to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, One Piece Theme Park, Sun Moon Lake Gondola, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and Taiwan’s First Night Cherry experience. However, prices will remain at the regular NT$780 during the Lunar New Year period from February 10 to 16. For detailed event and competition registration information, please visit the official website: www.nine.com.tw/2013sakurafestival.
● Read More: Run Through a Scenic Course Danced with Cherry Petals – Sun Moon Lake Lakeside Fun Run Now Open for Registration
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