Here are the best places to view cherry blossoms in Taiwan!
With a new year comes another spring, and everything we love about it. 🧡 The weather is just right, the days are longer, and nature is back in full bloom. You know what that means – it’s finally time for cherry blossom season! 🌸
Along with Japan and South Korea, Taiwan is a top destination for viewing cherry blossoms. With a warmer climate compared to these two countries, spring comes earlier and cherry blossoms can be spotted as early as January. They last until April in certain areas, so you definitely have enough time to plan that trip and catch these pretty pink blooms. 😉
Not only is Taiwan renowned for its spectacular cherry blossoms, but it's also a haven for relaxation with its natural hot springs. ♨️The country's geological diversity offers a variety of hot spring experiences, ranging from rustic outdoor baths in scenic settings to luxurious spa resorts. There’s no better way to cap off cherry blossom viewing than to sink into a natural hot bath and soak away the day’s hustle and bustle. 😌
With its abundance of natural beauty and endless ways to connect with nature, Taiwan is the perfect spring getaway. May it be with your bestie, partner, travel buddies, or loved ones, we’re sure unforgettable memories await you this cherry blossom season. From New Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south, keep reading for our favorite cherry blossom viewing spots throughout Taiwan this 2024.
Catch Taiwan's cherry blossoms!
🌸Taipei
🌸Taichung
🌸Chiayi
🌸Nantou
🌸Yilan
🌸 Northern Taiwan Viewing Spots
1. New Taipei - Wuji Tianyuan Temple
Wuji Tianyuan Temple is one of the most popular destinations for cherry blossom viewing in the country – and for a good reason! Various kinds of cherry blossom trees surround the area, framing the 200-meter-tall pagoda in delicate shades of pink and white. In full bloom, they’re so fluffy they look almost cloud-like. ☁️ We recommend visiting between late February to April to catch the blossoms. Plus, it’s only about ~40 minutes away via car from Taipei, making this the perfect escape away from the city.
Klook Tip: Entrance to the temple is completely free of charge!
The pagoda itself is located on top of a small hill, and the cherry blossoms are behind it, so no worries if you don’t see the cherry trees when you first arrive at the temple! Just follow the pathway leading uphill to get there, and you’ll see the pagoda in no time. The walk is a little steep but for the cherry blossoms and the bird’s-eye view of New Taipei at the end? We think it’s totally worth it.
📌 How to get to Wuji Tianyuan Temple
🚃 By train: From Taipei City, board the MRT train headed for Tamsui Station. From here, you can ride the local bus to Wuji Tianyuan Temple.
🚗 If you’re coming via car, you can find directions to the temple via Google maps here!
2. New Taipei - Wulai
If you’re looking for more day trip ideas from Taipei, this one’s for you! Wulai is a hidden gem about two hours from the capital, known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and river landscapes. Taiwanese cherry blossoms bloom a lot here, these are more crimson compared to other varieties of cherry blossom species and they peak from February to March.
For the ultimate cherry blossom viewing experience, we recommend beginning with Wulai Waterfall. While this is walkable from Wulai Terminal Station, you can also try the Wulai Scenic Train for a more picturesque journey to the falls. Vibrant cherry blossom trees can be found throughout the district, and the contrast between them and the crystal clear waters make for a great shot. 📸 Don’t forget to check out Wulai Old Street for yummy traditional Taiwanese street cuisine as well! It’s just a 20-minute walk from Wulai Waterfall. 😉
To make the most out of your trip, we suggest ending the day with the signature hot spring experience that Wulai is known for. There are many hot spring resorts in the area, and we’ve rounded up our favorites below:
♨️ Hot springs in New Taipei City
If you want to extend your stay in this charming district, you can also opt to book a room in one of these hot springs since many offer overnight stays. 😴🛌🏻
📌 How to get to Wulai
🚃 By train: From Taipei City, board the MRT train headed for Xindian Station. From here, you can ride the local bus to Wulai Terminal Station. For more information including arrival and departure times, you can check out Taiwan Railway Association’s official website.
🚗 If you plan on driving, you can rent a car as there are 24-hour parking facilities available nearby!
3. Taipei - LOHAS Park
Photo Credit: @melisaprilia on Instagram
While we’ve been recommending locations outside of the capital, there are many places to view cherry blossoms within Taipei too! One of these is LOHAS Park, which overlooks the Neigou River, and is well-loved by visitors and locals alike. It’s perfect to have a picnic on a clear day. Come nightfall, the cherry blossoms are illuminated and the sight is almost straight out of a movie.
To make the commute easier, consider getting an EasyCard in advance so you can simply tap and go on most mass transit in the city. This is especially helpful if you’ll be using buses and trains a lot.
If you want to stretch your legs, then you can take a stroll through the nearby Neigou River Ecological Trail. This is a 2.5-kilometer stretch along the riverside, with parts of the path lined with cherry blossom trees.
📌 How to get to LOHAS Park
🚃 By train: Take the MRT to Donghu Station. From here, the park is roughly 10 minutes away on foot.
🚌 By bus: Alight at Donghu Community bus stop. The park is a ~2-minute walk from here. The Bus Nos. that stop at Donghu Community are the following: 53, 281, 287, 630, 646, S1, BR19, BL12, and BL51.
Alternatively, you can go down at the Donghu Elementary School bus stop. LOHAS is a ~5-minute walk from here. Watch out for Bus Nos. 203, 284, 629, 677, 711, 896, 903, BL36, BR19, R2, and the Neihu Line, since these will stop at Donghu Elementary School.
4. Taipei - Yangmingshan National Park
With its close proximity to Taipei and amount of things to see within it, Yangmingshan National Park is a must-visit for any season — especially spring. There are plenty of cherry blossom trees throughout the massive park, often surrounded by gardens of other plants and flowers. 🌷
Photo Credit: Taipei City Government
Most cherry blossoms can be found in the park’s Flower Clock area, but you can also check out other areas for more cherry blossom sightseeing. Make sure not to miss the area near the bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, Shuilian Cave at the second parking lot, the park's visitor center cherry blossom stream, and more! These are in bloom from mid-February to early March.
📌 How to get to Yangmingshan National Park
☀️ You can book a day tour from Taipei here and here! If you prefer a private car with hotel drop off/pick up, you can consider this tour too.
🚌 By public transportation: The most straightforward route is to make your way to Taipei Main Station, then board the Royal Bus 1717 from there. You’ll see that it’s bound for Jinshan. Alight at the Yangmingshan National Park Administration stop.
If you have time, you can maximize your visit by visiting Beitou after. It’s a great addition to any day trip itinerary to Yangmingshan National Park since Beitou is located at the base of the park. And while you’re already there, we recommend trying out one of the hot springs that the area is known for! These are our faves in the area:
♨️ Hot Springs in Yangmingshan and Beitou
Yangmingshan
Beitou
5. Yilan - Magao Ecological Park
Magao Ecological Park, inside the Cilan Forest Recreational Area, is *the* place to relax and immerse yourself in nature. You can easily spend a few hours here just walking along the park’s gentle hiking trails which lead you through a serene lake, peaceful gardens, and of course – cherry blossom trees. Mountains also overlook the area, giving everything an even more reflective atmosphere. Cherry blossoms appear here from mid-January to March, so it’s best to visit then!
📌 How to get to Magao Ecological Park
🚌 By public transportation: From Taipei Station, there is a direct train to Yilan County. Alight at Yilan or Luodong Station, then board the Kuo-Kuang Bus. Alight at the Cilan Recreation Area stop.
Yilan is also another popular hot spring district in Taiwan, so there are plenty of these to visit after a long day of exploring. These thermal springs, renowned for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, are a perfect way to unwind after cherry blossom viewing.
♨️Hot Springs in Yilan
🌸 Central Taiwan Viewing Spots
6. Taichung - Wuling Farm
There are so many ways to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty, and a day spent exploring Wuling Farm is at the top of our list. 😌 This mountainous area is well over 700 hectares and boasts fields of flowers and vegetation, hiking trails, and even a camping zone! While Wuling Farm is magnificent in every season, it truly shines during spring. There are over 20,000 cherry blossom trees of different varieties throughout the area, and in full bloom, the view feels straight from a dream.
It may be closer to Taichung, the second biggest city in the country, than to Taipei but it’s still near enough for a day trip! Blossoms peak here from early to end of February — perfect for a couple’s getaway. 😉💘
📌 How to get to Wuling Farm
☀️ If you’re coming from Taipei, you can easily book a day tour here for a hassle-free experience!
🚌 By public transport: From Taipei Station, catch the train to Yilan Station, then transfer to Kuo-Kuang Bus 1751. Alight at Wuling Farm stop. Alternatively, you can get down at Luodong Station, and then take the Kuo-Kuang Bus 1764 to Wuling Farm stop.
🚗 You can also reach the farm via car! You can avail of a car rental from Taichung here.
7. Nantou - Sun Moon Lake
Photo Credit: Sun Moon Lake Official Facebook
The largest naturally occurring body of water in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is named so because of its appearance. It’s split in the middle by tiny Lalu Island, which makes the left side of the lake look like a crescent moon, while the right side looks like a whole sun. From early February to early March, you can catch this unique sight amidst blooming cherry blossoms!
Photo Credit: @hungmao11 on Instagram
For the full experience, we recommend hopping aboard the Sun Moon Lake ropeway to enjoy the cherry trees from above, as well as a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Nearby attractions also include the Shuishang Bikeway (Crowned by CNN as one of the World’s 10 Most Beautiful Bikeways), Wenwu Temple, Longfeng Temple, Ci En Pagoda, and Yongjie Bridge.
📌 How to get to Sun Moon Lake
☀️ If you’re coming from Taipei, you can book this day tour! You can also opt for this day tour from Taichung.
🚌 By public transport: Take the train to Yilan Railway Station, then transfer to Kuo-Kuang Bus 1751. Alight at Wuling Farm stop. Alternatively, you can get down at Luodong Railway Station, then take the Kuo-Kuang Bus 1764 to Wuling Farm stop.
8. Nantou - Cingjing Farm
Discover Taiwan’s gorgeous mountain landscapes with a visit to Cingjing Farm! This spacious farmland lets you experience the country’s natural beauty from new heights — literally. 👀
Photo Credit: @cyp880430 (L) and @___cloudy____ (R) on Instagram
At an elevation of roughly 1,750 meters above sea level, you have limitless views of the surrounding mountains in Nantou County. You’ll also be able to explore Swiss-inspired architectural structures and go up close and personal with cute sheep that roam around the grounds.
Klook Tip: Don’t forget to bring a jacket! Since the farm is located at a higher elevation, the weather runs colder here compared to the city.
Photo Credit: @hi_di_jyun on Instagram
During spring, the cherry trees that line the pathways of the farm blossom into lovely shades of pink and white. Don’t miss out on the Cherry Blossom Hiking Trail to snap a photo (or twenty 🤷🏻). If you’d like more of a thrill, though, you can go up the Cingjing Sky Bridge. Spanning over 1.5 kilometers, this is the highest elevated skywalk in the country.
📌 How to get to Cingjing Farm
☀️ If you’re in Taichung, you can book a day trip here! If you’re coming from Taipei, on the other hand, you can book a one-way ticket on the high speed rail to Taichung here.
🚌 By public transport: The easiest way to get here is with the Nantou Bus (also known as the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus) as it goes directly to Cingjing Farm. The Nantou Bus can be found at the Taichung High Speed Rail (HSR) Station. For more details, you can visit the official website of the Nantou Bus.
9. Nantou - Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area
Photo Credit: Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area Official Facebook
Spring is the season of change and rebirth, and you don’t have to look further than the Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area to feel this. From early February to March, this location is transformed with the blooming of cherry blossoms. In fact, there are plenty of sights to see here all year round! In the autumn and winter seasons, you can enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage in various areas around the park. Come summer, there’s butterfly viewing as well. 🦋☀️
With an abundance of well-maintained hiking trails that lead you through sprawling woods, Aowanda is perfect for those looking to get in a bit of exercise in their vacations.
Apart from the trails, we recommend visiting the Aowanda Suspension Bridge. This 180-meter-long bridge hangs mid-air over the convergence of two creeks. It’s exhilarating just to stand on top, see the rushing water below, and feel the wind whistling past your ear.
10. Nantou - Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village
Photo Credit: Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village Official Website
Enjoy Taiwan’s largest cherry blossom festival in the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village! Watch the cherry trees be illuminated right before your eyes in a special night cherry blossom lighting ceremony, followed by a night dance festival. Throughout the day, you can also watch Japanese festival-inspired shows in various areas around the park. These include Taiko drum and traditional cherry blossom dance performances. 🎌🎊
Photo Credit: Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village Official Website
The Formosan Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from early February to early March, with the activities we mentioned earlier usually happening daily. Beyond festivities and the amazing photo spots, the village provides a glimpse into the rich culture of the indigenous people of Taiwan.
📌 How to get to Formosan Aboriginal Village
☀️ If you’re coming from Taichung, you can book a day trip here!
🚌 By public transport: From Taichung Railway Station, you can take the Nantou Bus (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus) bound for Sun Moon Lake. This directly stops at the village.
🌸 Southern Taiwan Viewing Spots
11. Chiayi - Alishan National Forest Recreational Area
Taipei is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about must-visit places in Taiwan, but the Alishan National Forest Recreational Area is proof that there’s still so much more to explore outside of the capital! It’s home to over 19,000 cherry trees, making this one of the biggest cherry blossom viewing spots in the entire country.
📌 How to get to Alishan National Forest Recreational Area
☀️ There are different day tours available from nearby cities (Taichung, Chiayi, Kaohsiung) which you can explore here.
🚌 By public transport: You can directly take the Nantou Bus (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle) here. If you’re coming from Chiayi, you may already book your round-trip tickets through Klook!
12. Chiayi - Hanshini Forest Recreational Area
Photo Credit: @vivian06041 on Instagram
If you’re looking for hidden photo spots this cherry blossom season, then the Hanshini Forest Recreational Area is for you! There’s a Tai Chi pavilion in the park with a footbridge leading up to it and it’s surrounded by rows of white cherry blossoms. It’s a stunning sight and you’re sure to get some great pictures here.
Photo Credit: @sky_kuei on Instagram
As you stroll through the rest of the park, you’ll also find other cherry blossom varieties in darker shades of pink and fuchsia. There’s also a restaurant inside with an amazing view that overlooks the surrounding mountains.
Nestled in the mountains of Chiayi, the Hanshini Forest Recreational Area is a little over an hour away from Alishan via car. You can see the blooms here from mid-March to mid-April.
📌 How to get to Hanshini Forest Recreational Area
🚗 You can take a drive from Alishan National Forest Recreational Area to Hanshini! On Google Maps, Hanshini is 寒溪呢森林人文叡地 and you can find directions here. You may find rental cars from Kaohsiung and other cities in Taiwan here.
13. Kaohsiung - Baoshanerjituanyinghua Park
Photo Credit: @jain_yi on Instagram
Photo Credit: @__weixxx__ on Instagram
Nicknamed the Harbor Capital of Taiwan, Kaohsiung offers the lively bustle of city life along with beautiful ocean views. From romantic riverboat tours to day trips to the nearby Cijin Island — there’s something for everyone here!
It’s also a perfect base to begin your cherry blossom viewing experience in spring. Just a two-hour drive away from Kaohsiung is the Baoshanerjituanyinghua Park where thousands of cherry blossom trees can be found. Usually visible from January to February, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the park and its many hiking trails.
🌸 Eastern Taiwan Viewing Spots
14. Taitung - Chingshan Farm
Photo Credit: @ashley_01010101 on Instagram
While Chingshan Farm is most popular for its hydrangea gardens in summer and golden daylily fields in autumn, you can also find cherry blossoms here during spring! They usually bloom in February and can be found along the park’s walkways. Don’t forget to snap a photo before exploring the rest of the farm, which offers views of peaceful natural scenery all around.
📌 How to get to Baoshanerjituanyinghua Park and Chingshan Farm
🚗 Since these are both located in a mountainous area, the quickest way to reach them is via car. You can explore car rentals from Kaohsiung and other cities in Taiwan here!
15. Hualien - Taroko National Park
Photo Credit: Taroko National Park Official Facebook
Famous for its 19-kilometer-long gorge and walking trails that lead you through the marbled cliffs and deep valleys carved by the Liwu River, Taroko National Park is a nature escape like no other.
Klook Tip: With limited public transportation in this area, we recommend using a private car to fully enjoy Taroko National Park! The most popular landmarks here can be kilometers apart from each other, so having a vehicle is definitely useful. 🚗
And if you’re visiting in spring, you’ll be happy to know that you can find cherry blossoms here! Clustered around the Tian Siang Visitor Center, the light pink and magenta cherry trees are a refreshing sight amidst the mountain scenery. They can usually be found from early January to early February.
📌 How to get to Taroko National Park
With spring fast approaching this 2024, we hope these locations give you inspiration for your trip to Taiwan! Each of these cherry blossom viewing spots has its own unique charm, so we’re sure that they’ll be worth adding to your itinerary. 😉
And while cherry blossoms are only momentary, the memories you create here will no doubt last a lifetime. Happy travels! 💗
