The pomelo blossoms in Hualien are gradually blooming — a fragrant 3-kilometer cherry blossom avenue awaits!

▲ The pomelo blossoms in Hualien are gradually blooming!* (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

Reported by Lin Yuling, Hualien

The pomelo blossom season is about to kick off!* The Hualien Ruisui Township Farmers’ Association held a pomelo blossom walk and Farmers’ Day recognition event on the morning of the 20th. This year, due to cold weather, the growth of the flower buds has been slower, so the event was postponed. Nevertheless, participants set off from Ruisui Elementary School and enjoyed the fragrant aroma of pomelo blossoms along the entire 3-kilometer route, along with some intermittent appearances of delicate pink cherry blossoms — a truly refreshing experience.

Although the morning weather on the 20th was damp and chilly, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of those joining the walk. Everyone set off from Ruisui Elementary School and enjoyed the refreshing fragrance of pomelo blossoms along the 3-kilometer route. Hualien County Magistrate Fu Kun-chi and Legislator Hsu Chen-wei warmly greeted fellow attendees, while Legislative Yuan member Xiao Meiqin, County Government Agriculture Department Director Luo Wenlong, Ruisui Township Mayor Chen Jinguang, former township mayor Hsu Rong-sheng, Head of the Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station Huang Peng, and Ruisui Township Farmers’ Association Chairman Luo Wenteng also participated, making for a lively event.

▲ The Hualien Ruisui Township Farmers’ Association held a pomelo blossom walk and Farmers’ Day recognition event on the morning of the 20th. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

Magistrate Fu stated that Ruisui Township is the hometown of milk and honey, filled with the scents of dairy and bicarbonate springs. Local specialties such as honey-flavored black tea, Wuhu coffee, and pomelos are renowned both at home and abroad. From March to early April each year, it's the perfect time to admire pomelo blossoms. Along Section One of Hot Spring Road to the Cherry Blossom Avenue, the delicate fragrance of pomelo blossoms drifts in the breeze, creating a refreshing atmosphere. He welcomes visitors from across the country to join in the celebration, and while admiring the sea of white blossoms, also take the opportunity to savor high-quality local agricultural products.

▲ Along Hot Spring Road to Cherry Blossom Avenue, delicate pink cherry blossoms are still in bloom. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

Wei Qinghe, General Manager of the Ruisui Township Farmers’ Association, said that this year the pomelo blossoms have grown more slowly due to the cold weather. In line with the pace of the blossoms opening, the originally scheduled pomelo blossom walk held last week has been postponed to today. In addition to promoting the pomelo blossom season, over 20 young returning farmers trained by the association will also showcase their achievements through rural experience activities. “The countryside needs new blood, and the farmers’ association has the responsibility to fully support them!”

Magistrate Fu and Legislator Hsu emphasized their full support for the Ruisui Township Farmers’ Association in providing the best and most reliable services to farmers. They also stressed that only with the construction of the Hualien-East Coast Expressway can the production and sales channels for agricultural products in central and southern Hualien be unimpeded, ensuring that residents and visitors alike have a safe journey home.

▲ Magistrate Fu expressed his full support for the Ruisui Township Farmers’ Association. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)