By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
As cold fronts sweep in one after another, the plum blossoms, which bloom more vibrantly in the cold, have entered their peak flowering season. Chen Jufeng, vice president of the Nansi Leisure Agriculture Association, said that this year's plum blossoms in Meiling are blooming slightly later than usual, and are expected to gradually come into full bloom after January, with the peak period around January 8 to 10, and the viewing season lasting all the way to the Lunar New Year. To welcome the plum blossom season, the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration and Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau have launched the “Plum Blossoms on the Branches: Enjoying Plum Blossoms in Meiling” event this weekend. Visitors to Meiling can enjoy live music performances under the plum trees during specific time slots, as well as participate in fun checkpoint challenge games for free!
Plum blossoms in Tainan’s Meiling are gradually blooming now, and visitors can also take part in checkpoint challenges while enjoying the view. (Photo provided by Meiling Scenic Area Development Association)
Visitors just need to bring a smartphone to Meiling during the event hours, take a photo with the snow-white plum blossoms, and share it on FACEBOOK using their phone’s internet function. Then, they can exchange it for a limited-edition Siraya mascot keychain at the service desk, with 150 available per day until supplies last. Even more special, the organizers have invited Yang Yuxiu, president of the Tainan Calligraphy Association, to personally teach visitors how to write calligraphy at the Meiling Information Station from 14:00 to 16:00 on event days, giving everyone an early taste of Lunar New Year festivities.
The Meifeng Ancient Trail is lined with rows of plum trees, forming a sea of snowy blossoms. (Photo provided by Meiling Scenic Area Development Association)
The Siraya “Plum Blossoms on the Branches: Enjoying Plum Blossoms in Meiling” event will take place starting at 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and January 1 (of 2012) in the Meiling Scenic Area. On December 31, three checkpoint challenge locations will be set up at the Fulaibai Century-old Plum Garden, and on January 1, three checkpoint challenge spots will be placed at the entrance parking lot of Meifeng Ancient Trail and along the trail itself. Shops in Meiling are also offering various discount deals for plum blossom viewers—check online for details.
Siraya National Scenic Area: www.siraya-nsa.gov.t
Besides admiring the plum blossoms, the diverse local plum-based dishes are also a must-try delicacy. (Photography by Travel Spotter Li Xinyi)