Come late winter, blossom viewing is something of a national pastime in Taiwan. Up and down the country, everyone and his aunt flocks to cherry blossom viewing hot spots around Taiwan, often decked out in suitably colour-coordinated outfits and toting a selfie stick (or compliant friends/relatives/significant other). Even if you’re not in it for the photos, a. visit to one of these spots can be a true delight. There is little more uplifting than seeing the mass of pink blossoms brightening a cold day.
When to see cherry blossom in Taiwan
Taiwan’s cherry blossom season starts in late January and runs until the end of March. Throughout this period, you can enjoy several different varieties ranging in hue from the elegant white displays of the Formosan cherry, through to the pastel pinks of Japanese varieties such as the Yoshino and Fuji cherry, or the deep dark magenta of the Taiwan mountain cherry.
Where to see cherry blossom in Taiwan
There are plenty of articles out there that contain lists of cherry blossom locations, but rather than just repeating the same information, I will share several hikes that include visits to blossom hot spots.
Caopingtou Yushan Tourist Tea Garden
Caopingtou Yushan Tourist Tea Garden is one of Taiwan’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots. Each year, thousands of trees paint the slopes in beautiful shades of pink, drawing in blossom lovers from far and wide.
Eweishan Paddy Terrace and Pingjing Street
Located just at the edge of Yangmingshan National Park, this very easy walk offers the chance to see plenty of pink petals for minimal effort.
Gouyingqin Canal Trail
If you like the sound of Pingjing Street, but would prefer a longer walk, you could try this trail. The walk starts from behind the National Palace Museum and climbs to meet Pingjing Street.
Lohas Park, Neihu
Every sakura season, the otherwise non-descript Lohas Park becomes a crowded riot of colour as the full blooms of cherry trees attract hoards of sightseers and photographers. More blossom and some easy walking can be found along the banks of Neigou Creek, which straddles the boundary between Taipei and New Taipei.
Shibading and Shibaguai Canal Trails
This odd little wander in Beitou District is one of my favourite cold-day wanders. It has canals, blossom, and some thermal springs too.
Alishan Sisters’ Pond Trail
Alishan is one of the quintessential blossom-viewing spots and this trail takes you past Chaoping Station, where you’ll find blossoms of several different kinds. When I first visited and took the photos used in this post, it wasn’t blossom season, but on a later visit with my parents, we were able to enjoy the pink and and white petals. My personal favourite were the exquisite white Formosan cherries.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 