The cherry blossom season is almost upon us – and in some places, these dainty flowers have begun their short sprout. What I love most about cherry blossoms in Taiwan is that the specific species known as Taiwanese Mountain Sakura is in abundance here. Hence the name!
This species of cherry blossoms have tissue-thin petals but have so many layers that the blossoms sometimes resemble chrysanthemums. The flowers, contrarian to their Japanese and Korean counterparts, are a much deeper pink, often a rosy red or even dark fuchsia, which makes them uniquely Taiwanese.
A Guide to Cherry Blossoms in Taiwan: A 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast & Viewing Spots
Best Places in Taiwan to See Cherry Blossoms
Taipei’s Cherry Blossoms
2019 Forecast: February 10 – March 10
ChInG_* | CC BY-SA 2.0
It’s important to arrive early when visiting Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, which can get very crowded towards the peak hours, around noon. The place is convenient to get to, but the cherry blossom trees seem like they are from a secluded, heavenly place. The flowering trees line the walkways, providing a bright pink carpet and rails.
Recommended Hotel: The Sherwood Taipei
Chiayi County’s Cherry Blossoms
2019 Forecast: March 1 – April 1
Jerry Lai | CC BY-SA 2.0
Alishan Railway is well-known to be one of the best spots to view cherry blossoms in Taiwan. Countless Yoshino cherry blossoms adorn the scenic railway station, and the incoming of each train marks the perfect time to take a picturesque shot.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Discover
Taichung’s Cherry Blossoms
2019 Forecast: January 10 – February 27
Jerry Lai | CC BY-SA 2.0
For 2019, the official date of celebrating the cherry blossom festival in Wuling Farm is from February 7-27. During this time, there are many public buses to take people from Taipei to Wuling Farm and back, and traffic control will be set in place. The standard cherry blossom viewing route will bring you to the most iconic viewpoints and trees.
Recommended Hotel: Mingao Spring Hotel
Sun Moon Lake’s Cherry Blossoms
2019 Forecast: March 5 – March 20
TANAKA Juuyoh | CC BY 2.0
Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but it really shines during this period. The forest blooms with the speckling of cherry trees, which creates a near artificial livelihood to the reserve. You can even rent a boat and paddle against the jaw-dropping view of pinks and greens.
Recommended Hotel: The Richforest Hotel
Ready to start planning your trip to see the cherry blossoms in Taiwan for yourself?
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