By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
With the upcoming 228 Holiday, those planning to go cherry blossom viewing might want to avoid the traffic jam on the way to Wuling Farm in Taichung. Consider heading to nearby Nantou instead, such as Huisun Forest Station, Shima Park, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Wushe... and other places.
Besides cherry blossoms, Huisun Forest Station also offers a recently bloomed camellia trail. It is home to Taiwan’s only ginger-lily lane, featuring 18 different varieties of ginger lilies. Additionally, near the wading trail, you can find delicate native begonias. A single trip here allows you to enjoy a variety of “floral sights.” Recently, Huisun Forest Station has also completed the renovation and upgrade of its accommodations, introducing wild mountain hot springs discovered during the Japanese colonial period into cabins and resort villas. After hiking the trails, visitors can enjoy a uniquely charming forest hot spring experience to relax their body and mind.
In recent years, Huisun Forest Station has systematically collected unique Taiwan-native plants and developed them into well-planned specialized trails. Here, besides cherry blossoms, visitors can also admire a variety of beautiful scenery. (Photo provided by Huisun Forest Station)
Also, in Shima Park in Xiaobantian, Lugu Township, thanks to previous exchange activities between the “Liyou Association” and the “Japan Sakura Cultivation Association,” the area received 1,000 saplings of Kawazu-zakura, resulting in one of Taiwan’s rare Kawazu cherry blossom groves. If you’re lucky, you might even spot bulbuls and black-naped orioles darting about looking for food while enjoying the blossoms.
The renowned Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Festival features around 3,000 cherry trees planted throughout the park, making it one of the largest gatherings of Taiwan mountain cherries in the country. Other great cherry blossom spots include Wushe, Provincial Highway 14 (Pufu Highway), Grassland Head in Xinyi Township, and National Chi Nan University...
Currently, along Provincial Highway 18 leading to Alishan National Scenic Area, the mountain cherry blossoms are already in stunning bloom. March to April is the best time to view cherry blossoms in Alishan, where you can see various types of Japanese cherries, including Yoshino, Fuji, and double-flowered varieties. Those interested can look forward to the Alishan Flower Festival, which will kick off on March 15.
● Read more: Experience an Afternoon Tea Under the Cherry Blossoms at Chi Nan University
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