In case you didn’t know yet, cherry blossoms bloom in Taiwan!
From mid-February to early March, the beautiful island country just above the northern tip of the Philippines sees clouds of delicate pink blossoms bloom to herald the season of spring. The best part? Filipinos can witness this stunning sight visa-free–at least, until this year! (Unless Taiwan extends our visa-free access yet again by July.)
Want to know where the best cherry blossom spots are in and beyond Taipei? Read on as we list down the most picturesque cherry blossom viewing sites in all of Taiwan:
Yangmingshan National Park
Ask any local in Taiwan about cherry blossom sites in the country, and Yangmingshan National Park will most likely be mentioned. This expansive National Park is one of the most accessible and postcard-perfect cherry blossom spots in Taiwan. The park features different varieties of sakura, including Taiwan cherry and Yoshino cherry–yes, the highly regarded variety from Japan–creating a stunning contrast against the mountain backdrop. Here, you can enjoy scenic walking trails, lush greenery, and even hot springs in the area. For the best experience, start early in the morning to avoid crowds and, if you’re an avid shutterbug, it’s the best time to capture the soft morning light illuminating the delicate cherry blossoms.
Best Time To Go: Mid-February to Early March
How To Get There: From Taipei Main Station, take Bus 260 or R5 to Yangmingshan Bus Station. From there, transfer to Bus 128 or S8 to the cherry blossom areas such as Yangming Park and Zhuzihu.
Wuling Farm
Another well-loved cherry blossom spot in Taiwan is Taichung’s Wuling Farm. With thousands of cherry trees coming into full bloom all at once, this tourist attraction gets blanketed in pink between the months of January and February. Situated in a mountainous region, Wuling Farm offers a breathtakingly serene environment with crisp, cool spring air. Apart from viewing cherry blossoms, you can explore hiking trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the countryside. Because it is a highly sought-after spot during the cherry blossom season, booking accommodations in advance is recommended if you plan staying within the area to enjoy the scenery a bit longer.
Best Time To Go: Late January to Mid-February
How To Get There: From Taipei, take a direct shuttle bus from Taipei Bus Station (requires advance booking) or take a train to Yilan, then transfer to a bus heading to Wuling Farm.
Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Alishan is famous for its enchanting combination of misty mountains and cherry blossoms, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The region is home to different cherry tree species, including the Taiwan cherry and Japan’s Somei Yoshino, which bloom at different times, allowing for an extended sakura-viewing season. One of the most magical experiences here is taking the historic Alishan Forest Railway during sunrise, where you can witness a breathtaking view of pink cherry blossoms glowing under the morning sun.
Best Time To Go: Mid-March to Early April
How To Get There: Take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) or train to Chiayi, then transfer to the Alishan Forest Railway or a bus to Alishan.
Sun Moon Lake – Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
This spot is home to the largest cherry blossom festival in Taiwan, featuring pink blooms and cultural performances. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, located near the famous Sun Moon Lake, is not just a sakura hotspot but also a great destination to immerse yourself in Taiwan’s rich aboriginal culture. You can enjoy indigenous performances, try traditional foods, and even ride cable cars for an aerial view of the cherry blossoms. The combination of cultural celebrations and natural beauty makes this an unforgettable cherry blossom destination.
Best Time To Go: Late January to Mid-February
How To Get There: Take a bus from Taichung’s city center to Sun Moon Lake, then transfer to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village shuttle bus.
Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area
Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area is a hidden gem for cherry blossom enthusiasts. Located in central Taiwan, this forested paradise is home to a variety of sakura trees, as well as maple trees that turn vibrant red in autumn. The park features scenic hiking trails, suspension bridges, and stunning viewpoints overlooking cherry blossom valleys. It’s an excellent place for those who love nature and photography.
Best Time To Go: Late February to Mid-March
How To Get There: Take a train or bus to Taichung, then transfer to a Nantou bus heading to Aowanda.
Tianyuan Temple
This temple is unmistakable. If you run a search online, combining the keywords “Taiwan” and “Cherry blossoms,” an image of the Tianyuan Temple will surely turn up in the results. This historic and spiritual site is an architectural marvel itself, and when surrounded by pink cherry blossoms, it becomes one of the most picturesque locations in Taiwan. The temple’s five-story pagoda, intricate carvings, and spiritual ambiance make it a fantastic place to visit even outside the cherry blossom season. For the best photos, arrive early in the morning when the soft light enhances the blossoms’ delicate hues against the temple’s striking design.
Best Time To Go: Late February to Early March
How To Get There: From Tamsui MRT Station, take Bus 866 or 875 to Tianyuan Temple.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Tips Before Your Taiwan Trip
- Plan Ahead: Check the bloom forecasts, as cherry blossom season in Taiwan can vary slightly each year. In fact, some cherry trees in the country bloom as early as the end of January!
- Visit on Weekdays: Popular cherry blossom spots get crowded on weekends, with both locals and foreigners flocking to these sites, so visit early on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Many cherry blossom spots require walking or even a bit of hiking, so slip your feet into your most comfortable footwear.
- Bring a Light Jacket: Weather can be chilly, especially in higher elevations like Alishan and Wuling Farm. Bringing a jacket ensures that you will enjoy your cherry blossom experience without freezing in the cold!
- Respect Nature: Avoid picking the cherry blossoms or damaging the cherry trees. Stick to the designated trails and follow local guidelines.
- Book Accommodations Early: Hotels near cherry blossom hotspots fill up quickly, especially towards the spring season, so make sure to reserve in advance. Booking early also means you’ll get to score good deals and affordable rooms!
- Use Public Transport: Taiwan’s buses and trains make it easy to visit cherry blossom spots without renting a car. Maximize Taiwan’s efficient public transport system and save a chunk of your travel budget. Alternatively, you can join cherry blossom day tours arranged by local travel groups and agencies.
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