Written/Compiled and Reported by Wei Ruyu
The "2011 Nantou Flower Carnival," open since December 18, 2011, will be extended until January 29, 2012 (the end of the Lunar New Year holiday), according to an assessment of flower conditions. The Nantou County Government Tourism Department also announced that if you spend over NT$1,000 in Nantou, stay at a licensed hotel or homestay, or take public transportation to Nantou before the 27th, you can exchange for a lottery ticket. Prizes include a car, iPad2, iPhone4, and other top-tier 3C electronics.
"Kubi Bear" is the mascot of Nantou County, designed in the shape of a Formosan black bear. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Department)
Held at Chiding Farm next to Puitai High School in Pulizhen, Nantou, the flower carnival has not only featured a dazzling array of blooms since its opening, but also attracted attention with the "Kubi Bear" at the entrance image area, made up of colorful flowers and plants. The floral costume technique originates from France. Inventor Patrick Blanc developed a timed watering structure system that allows plants to grow on vertical walls, with pipes delivering water and nutrients to sustain plant growth.
In addition, many specialty flowers across various townships in Nantou will also be in full bloom during the Lunar New Year period. Flower lovers can head to the Puli-Wushe Highway (Provincial Highway 14) in Ren’ai Township, Wushe and Xinyi Township’s Caopingtou, various villages in Yuchi Township, National Chi Nan University campus, and the Lugu Tea Plantation in Lugu Township to admire cherry blossoms. Those who enjoy plum blossoms can visit Fengguidou, Wusong, and Niuchongkeng Liujia Plum Garden in Xinyi Township, or Jiufen'er Mountain in Guoxing Township, and Huliu Tribe’s Mutual Aid Elementary School in Ren’ai Township.
This year, due to weather conditions, plum blossoms have bloomed slightly later, making it just the right time for visitors to enjoy them during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Department)
Besides admiring the flowers, you can also visit nearby attractions such as Taomi Community, Paper Dome, Guangxing Paper Mill, and Paper Dragon Creative Workshop. Puli Distillery, 18°C Chocolate Workshop, Sun Moon Old Tea Factory, and Xinyi Township Farmers’ Association Plum Dream Factory are also great choices for souvenirs.
For more details, please visit the official website of the "2011 Nantou Flower Carnival" at travel.nantou.gov.tw/2011springflower, search online for the “Happy Travel Nantou Fan Page,” or call the event hotline at (02)8502-1365 for inquiries.