The flowers are in full bloom！ Enjoy a light bus trip to Plum Blossom Mountain in Tainan during the Spring Festival

▲ Take a bus to Tainan during the Spring Festival for a light trip to Meiling to enjoy the plum blossoms. (Photo / Provided by Tainan City Transportation Bureau)

Reported by Lai Wen-xuan / Taipei

Due to the warm winter this year, the plum blossom season at Meiling in Nansi District, a major plum blossom destination in southern Taiwan, has been extended to the Lunar New Year. Plum blossoms can be seen blooming along hiking trails throughout the area, attracting many visitors to the mountains. The Tainan City Transportation Bureau announced that additional bus services will be operated on Green 22 Branch Line of the Greater Tainan Bus system during the Spring Festival. Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of these bus services for a light and enjoyable trip to Meiling to admire the plum blossoms.

▲ With plum blossoms in full bloom, many visitors are taking advantage of the Lunar New Year holiday to go up the mountain and enjoy the flowers.

Meiling in Nansi District, Tainan, is a key plum blossom viewing spot in the greater Tainan area. Plum blossoms at several scenic spots, such as the route from Er层坪 to Guanyin Temple and the Wulong Temple hiking trail, have bloomed later this year due to the warm winter and the impact of Typhoon Soudelor. The blooming period has been extended to the Lunar New Year holiday. Additionally, purple peonies, azaleas, and mountain cherry blossoms along Meifeng Ancient Trail are also gradually blooming. During the Lunar New Year, the area is expected to see a continuous stream of visitors coming to Meiling to admire the flowers. The Tainan City Transportation Bureau has also developed a traffic management plan for Meiling to accommodate the influx.

▲ Due to the warm winter, this year’s plum blossom season has been extended.

The Greater Tainan Bus Green 22 Branch Line, which runs between Yujing and Meiling, operates four scheduled services on weekdays but has increased to ten services during the Spring Festival and regular weekends. Meiling features nearly 10 hiking trails and farm-style meals such as plum chicken. It is recommended that visitors plan a full-day light bus trip. During the day, they can explore various trails, and in the evening, enjoy the diverse scenery of Meiling, taking in the charming views of thousands of plum blossoms and mountain cherry blossoms. They can also choose to dine at nearby restaurants, satisfying their appetite while replenishing their energy.

▲ Take a plum blossom tour bus to avoid traffic jams on the way up the mountain.

In previous years, visitors traveling to Meiling during the Lunar New Year had to endure heavy traffic congestion. This year, with the addition of bus services, people can easily head up the mountain. After getting off, they can follow the recommended routes for sightseeing without worrying about getting too tired from walking or feeling bored in traffic.

▲ Additional services have been added for the special plum blossom tour buses, allowing visitors to enjoy a light bus trip. (Photo / Provided by Tainan City Transportation Bureau)

Information on Plum Blossom Viewing Buses in Meiling, Tainan:
1. Take the Green Main Line in front of Tainan Railway Station to Yujing Transfer Station, then transfer to the Green 22 Branch Line bus and get off at Er层坪 Station.
2. Take the Orange Main Line in front of Shanhua Railway Station to Yujing Transfer Station, then transfer to the Green 22 Branch Line bus and get off at Er层坪 Station.