By Li Xinyi | Compiled & Reported
The Alishan Cherry Blossom Season officially started today (15th). The pinkish-white Yoshino cherry blossoms, most popular among tourists, are expected to be in full bloom by March 20, followed by the Oshima cherry, and then the Pwen Hsien Hsiang (elephant’s ear) cherry in early April. To ease traffic during the blossom season, the Forestry Bureau has arranged shuttle buses: two buses will operate off-peak days along Highway 18 from kilometer 83 to 95, while eight buses will run on peak days (four of which start picking up passengers as early as 4 a.m.). There are ten temporary bus stops, with services running daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., every 20 minutes. Passengers using the shuttle bus on weekends can also enjoy a 25% discount on entrance tickets.
The Alishan Cherry Blossom Season officially kicks off today (15th). Those interested may plan a weekend blossom-viewing trip. (Photo provided by Chiayi Forest District Office)
The Chiayi Forest District Office stated that steam trains have always been highly popular among visitors. To serve the public, during the cherry blossom season, steam trains with cypress wood carriages will be specially arranged to run on the Zhaoping Line every Thursday morning (March 22, 29, and April 5, 12). During the blossom season, both the Sacred Tree Line and the Zhaoping Line will increase their train frequency. Services will start at 9 a.m. daily, with trains running every half hour, adding four more runs on each line. Additional runs may be added on the Sacred Tree Line between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., depending on visitor volume.
A mini concert titled “Spring in Alishan – A Dialogue Between Blossoms and Music” will also be held during the cherry blossom season. (Photo provided by Chiayi Forest District Office)
In addition, a mini concert titled “Spring in Alishan – A Dialogue Between Blossoms and Music” will be held in the cherry tree area near the Alishan Work Station, a popular blossom-viewing spot. From March 17 to April 1, performances will take place every Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Alishan Station. Professional musicians from music departments of National Taichung University of Education, National Chiayi University, National Pingtung University of Education, and Nanhua University will perform using instruments such as violins, flutes, and clarinets. The repertoire includes pieces like “Walking Waltz,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Beautiful Rosmary,” allowing visitors to enjoy not only the visual feast of cherry blossoms but also delightful musical performances in Alishan.
● Read more: Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Nantou – A Fusion of Taiwanese and Japanese Charm
www.tripass.net/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=7039