Spring is the season when flowers bloom and everything comes back to life, making it the busiest time on Taipei’s Yangmingshan. Not only can you see azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, and calla lilies, but also various wildflowers scattered throughout the mountain!
Travel expert James has prepared a complete guide for flower viewing on Yangmingshan. Want to know the must-try local foods recommended online for a Yangmingshan day trip? How can you visit Yangmingshan’s flower spots in the most time-efficient way? Keep reading to find out!
Yangmingshan Flower Season Dates
The 2024 Yangmingshan Flower Season will kick off on February 7 and run until March 17. During this 40-day period, visitors can enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms,寒櫻 (Cold Cherry Blossoms), 八重櫻 (Yaezakura), 昭和櫻 (Showa Cherry Blossoms), 吉野櫻 (Yoshino Cherry Blossoms), and azaleas. During the national holiday of 228, Western daffodils and wisteria flowers will also begin to bloom.
Yangmingshan Flower Viewing Spots
1.Yangming Park (Hou Mountain Park)
Yangming Park is one of the most popular flower viewing spots during the flower season. The park’s plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, azaleas, and camellias attract a large number of visitors each year. The famous flower clock is also located in Yangming Park.
2.Yangmingshan Front Mountain Park
Located near the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal, you can reach the park by bus. It is not only a popular online recommended flower viewing spot on Yangmingshan, but the park also features facilities such as a basketball court, swimming pool, ice skating rink, as well as foot baths and separate hot springs for men and women.
3.Yangmingshan Second Parking Lot
Near the entrance, the Shui Lian Cave is home to a grove of Yaezakura cherry blossoms, which bloom every year from January to February. Walking along the forest path, visitors can closely experience the refreshing atmosphere of nature coming back to life.
4.Yangmingshan Zhuzihu
The elevation is approximately 650-670 meters, and it is a barrier lake formed by the eruption of the Datun Volcano. The main attractions are the calla lily fields in March to April and the hydrangea season around the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.
5.Yangming Shuwu (Yangming Study House)
Located at No. 12, Zhongxing Road, Yangmingshan, Yangming Shuwu was once the summer residence of former President Chiang Kai-shek and was frequently used to host domestic and international dignitaries. The azaleas, which bloom from March to May each year, make it a must-visit spot.
6.Datun Nature Park
Datun Nature Park is located on the slopes of Datun Mountain and is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The park offers scenic hiking trails, where visitors can enjoy a variety of wildflowers and panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is a peaceful destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet escape in the heart of Yangmingshan.
7.Azalea Camellia Garden
Located behind the Yangmingshan Second Parking Lot, it connects to the Flower Clock Parking Lot. Along the way, you’ll see a delightful display of camellias, azaleas, and plum blossoms in full bloom. However, be mindful of the steep slope, as it may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Yangmingshan Flower Season Transportation Options
Taking the Bus:
- Taipei Bus – Red 5: Transfer at MRT Jiantan Station to the terminus at Yangmingshan.
- Taipei Bus – 260: Transfer at MRT Taipei Main Station to the terminus at Zhongshan Building.
- Taipei Bus – 129: From MRT Beitou Station to Yangmingshan Park Service Center.
- Taiwan Tourist Bus – Xiao 9: From MRT Beitou Station to Yangmingshan Park Service Center.
Driving:
- From Taipei Railway Station to Yangmingshan Second Parking Lot: 18.9 km, about 33 minutes in smooth traffic.
Self-Driving Tips:
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter Yangmingshan Flower Viewing
Yangmingshan is home to over 94 species of native wildflowers, each season offering its own unique beauty. The “Flowering Trails – Yangmingshan Flower Viewing Handbook,” published by the Yangmingshan National Park Administration, introduces various wildflowers throughout the year. Below are some excerpts from the book:
Taiwan Quinquefolius, Hayata’s Ophiorrhiza, Taiwan Yellow Violet, Thin-petal Raspberry, Arabian Speedwell, Taiwan Arum, Red-pod Indigo, Chinese Glossy Privet, Golden-hair Azalea, Rhododendron simsii, Prunella vulgaris, Paris polyphylla.
Tashiro’s Eupatorium, Shimada’s Eupatorium, Brazilian Water Bamboo, Sedum sarmentosum, White Egret Orchid, Astilbe, Taiwan Ginger Lily, Taiwan Lily, Blackberry Lily, Water Crowfoot.
White Pearl Tree, Creeping Centipede, Taiwan Eupatorium, Taiwan Wild Chrysanthemum, Big-head Camellia, Taiwan Strobilanthes, Ohwi’s Grass, Lobelia Chinensis, Rock Elkhorn Fern, Taipei Lungwort, Yellow Sage.
Strobilanthes, Globular Inflorescence Chickweed, Taiwan Cherry Blossom, Taiwan Pieris, Money Mint.
Acanthus, Wound Herb, Large-flowered Wedelia, Taiwan Mock Strawberry, Mock Strawberry, Knotweed, Yellow Hawkweed.
2024 Taipei Flower Festival Events Information
| 花季 | 2024 年活動日期 | 地點 | 活動連結 |
| 台北茶花展 | 1.5-1.14 | 陽明山花卉試驗中心 | 點此前往 |
| 樂活夜櫻季 | 1.26-2.29 | 內湖樂活公園 | 點此前往 |
| 三層崎花海 | 2.1-3.31 | 北投社三層崎公園 | 點此前往 |
| 樟樹步道花海 | 2 月-3 月上旬／5 月中旬-6 月中旬／9 月-10 月上旬 | 貓空樟樹步道 | 點此前往 |
| 陽明山花季 | 2.7-3.17 | 陽明公園 | 點此前往 |
| 士林官邸鬱金香展 | 2.22-3.3 | 士林官邸公園 | 點此前往 |
| 台北玫瑰展 | 3.1-3.31 | 花博公園新生園區 | 點此前往 |
| 台北杜鵑花季 | 3.1-3.31 | 大安森林公園及城南地區 | 點此前往 |
| 竹子湖海芋季 | 3~4 月 | 竹子湖地區農園 | 點此前往 |
| 竹子湖繡球花季 | 5~6 月 | 竹子湖地區農園 | 點此前往 |
| 關渡花海 | 11.2 -11.17 | 北投區 | 點此前往 |
| 士林官邸菊展 | 11.29-12.15 | 士林官邸公園 | 點此前往 |
2024 Yangmingshan Hydrangea Festival Information
Hydrangea Season and Dates:
The Yangmingshan Zhuzihu Hydrangea Festival is typically held from May to early June each year. In 2024, the festival will run from May 17 to June 23.Key Flower Viewing Spots:
Recommended hydrangea viewing spots in Yangmingshan include Datitian Flower Ecological Farm, Caojia Huatiangxiang, Gaojia Hydrangea Fields, Dashang Garden, and Afternoon SunshineHydrangea Fields. Each field offers unique features and a variety of flower colors.
Hydrangea Characteristics:
Hydrangeas are highly ornamental flowers whose colors vary based on soil pH levels. Acidic soil produces blue flowers, alkaline soil results in purple or red flowers, and neutral soil creates white flowers.Transportation and Parking Tips:
Visitors are advised to opt for chartered tours to Yangmingshan, especially during the flower season, when traffic controls are implemented. Those driving themselves should start early to avoid traffic jams or use private paid parking lots.Activities and Experiences:
During the flower season, a range of activities will be offered, such as Zhuzihu deep experiences, free ecological and cultural guided tours, and Dragon Boat Festival holiday markets, providing opportunities for visitors to engage and take memorable photos.
One-Day Tour Itineraries for Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Taipei, making it easy to combine a day trip with other city attractions. Below are four different itineraries to consider for your flower-viewing trip:
Itinerary A: Recommended for Flower Enthusiasts
- Beitou Sulfur Valley (Hot Spring Foot Bath ♨️)
- Qingtiangang Grassland
- Xiaoyoukeng Crater
- Zhuzihu (Calla Lily Viewing)
- Lunch at Zhuzihu (Stir-fried Wild Vegetables and Free-Range Chicken)
- Yangmingshan Floral Clock Park (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
- Tamsui Tianyuan Temple (Cherry Blossom Viewing 🌸)
- Tamsui Old Street
Itinerary B: Recommended for Night View Lovers
- Beitou Sulfur Valley (Hot Spring Foot Bath ♨️)
- Qingtiangang Grassland
- Xiaoyoukeng Crater
- Zhuzihu (Calla Lily Viewing)
- Lunch at Zhuzihu (Stir-fried Wild Vegetables and Free-Range Chicken)
- Yangming House (Chiang Kai-shek Villa Guided Tour)
- Rooftop Night View Restaurant
Itinerary C: Recommended for Photography Enthusiasts
- Beitou Sulfur Valley (Hot Spring Foot Bath ♨️)
- Qingtiangang Grassland
- Xiaoyoukeng Crater
- Zhuzihu (Calla Lily Viewing)
- Jinshan Old Street
- Yehliu Geopark (Queen’s Head Rock)
Itinerary D: Recommended for Food Lovers
- Beitou Sulfur Valley (Hot Spring Foot Bath ♨️)
- Qingtiangang Grassland
- Xiaoyoukeng Crater
- Zhuzihu (Calla Lily Viewing)
- Fuji Fishing Harbor (Seafood Feast)
- North Coast (Coffee with Ocean Views ☕️)
- Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
What are the advantages of chartering a car for Yangmingshan?
Whether it’s the Yangmingshan Flower Festival in spring or later seasons like the Zhuzihu Calla Lily and Hydrangea Festivals, Yangmingshan often sees an influx of flower enthusiasts and heavy traffic. Opting for a chartered car for a one-day Yangmingshan tour is undoubtedly the most relaxing and comfortable experience. Compared to other transportation methods, the advantages of chartering a car for Yangmingshan are as follows:
- Chartered Car: Direct access to attractions without wasting time, allowing you to visit the maximum number of spots in a single day.
- Public Transportation: Requires planning around bus schedules and station stops, making it difficult to tailor the itinerary to personal preferences. Time is often lost in queues and transfers.
- Self-Driving: Prone to traffic congestion during peak times, with additional time spent searching for parking.
Yangmingshan Charter Service:
Offers the highest itinerary flexibility and customization! In addition to must-visit popular photo spots, charter drivers can also take you to hidden gems, ensuring your flower-viewing photos are truly unique.Public Transportation:
Lower itinerary flexibility, mostly limited to standard public routes.Self-Driving:
Itinerary flexibility depends on prior research and planning. For international travelers or first-time visitors to Yangmingshan, chartering a car is highly recommended as it saves the effort and time required to plan a detailed itinerary.
Yangmingshan Charter Service:
With chartered travel, everyone can relax as passengers, eliminating concerns about driver fatigue.Public Transportation:
Transfers, waiting for buses, and keeping track of schedules can be mentally draining, especially during weekends or holidays when buses are often crowded and seats are unavailable.Self-Driving:
There is usually a significant distance between parking lots and major flower-viewing spots in Yangmingshan, requiring additional transfers or walking.
Chartered tours usually have fixed itineraries, but they can be customized according to passengers’ preferences. For flower-viewing tours, having someone provide explanations, lead the way, or take photos can make the experience much more enjoyable compared to a self-guided visit!
Charter fees are typically calculated based on the number of passengers. For example, in James’ Taipei Charter Travel Plan, a 10-hour day of service costs approximately NT$4,500 for 1–4 passengers or NT$6,000 for 5–8 passengers, averaging NT$800–1,100 per person, offering a high-value travel experience!
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Signature Dishes:
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