If you’re looking for the best places to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan, this post is for you!
Despite being somewhat of an underrated contender for cherry blossom viewing, Taiwan is actually a fantastic destination to see dreamy blooms!
During Taiwan’s cherry blossom season, the island turns into a wonderland filled with all kinds of blossoms and loads of places to see them. In fact, you’ll probably be surprised to learn just how many places there are to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan!
To help you find the best sakura viewing spots to tick off on your Taiwan itinerary, I’ve narrowed down the dreamiest cherry blossom spots in Taiwan for you here.
Ready to be tickled pink? Grab a cup of sakura tea, and let’s go!
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Tips for Visiting Taiwan during Cherry Blossom Season
Before you kickstart an epic Taiwan sakura journey, here are a few tips to help you plan a stress-free trip.
- Make sure to book accommodation well in advance as hotels fill up quickly during cherry blossom season.
- Taiwan has an excellent transport network including buses, trains, a high-speed rail, you name it! However, if you plan to visit touristy spots, it’s best to book HSR and TRA tickets in advance (up to 28 days).
- It’s a good idea to pick up an Easy Card. That way, you can simply tap-and-go on buses, local trains, and the MRT.
- Taiwan’s Cherry Blossom season runs from mid-winter through early spring. Read my detailed guides on visiting Taiwan in winter and this one on visiting Taiwan in spring. The weather can be unpredictable during these seasons and it gets quite chilly. Pack warm clothes, especially if you plan to visit mountainous areas like Nantou or Alishan.
When is Taiwan Cherry Blossom Season
Unlike other cherry blossom spots in Asia, Taiwan has no official cherry blossom forecast, which makes planning a trip around sakura season a bit more tricky. While blooming times vary slightly every year, the best time to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan is generally from January to early April.
If you’re planning your trip specifically around cherry blossom season, take note of the viewing times included below. And keep in mind that even though cherry blossom season runs from mid-winter to early spring, weather patterns can impact the flowering times.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Taiwan
Springtime is a magical time in Tawain and one that you definitely won’t want to miss. So without further ado, here are 10 of the ABSOLUTE best cherry blossom viewing spots in Taiwan!
Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Alishan is a beautiful mountaintop recreational area tucked away among lush forests filled with towering sacred trees and rolling tea farms. Besides being famous for its spectacular sunrises, old forest railway, and countless hiking trails, it’s also one of the top places to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan.
Alishan is so famous for its sakura that there’s even an annual Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival! The festival usually kicks off around mid-March and runs through early April. However, since flowering depends on the weather, it’s best to keep an eye on the Alishan cherry blossom forecast here.
During the festival, spring flowers blanket large parts of the area. With more than 19,000 cherry trees in the area (mostly Yoshino cherry trees), you certainly won’t need to wander far to spot beautiful blossoms. With that said, the best sakura viewing points are near the Alishan Ranger Station, Magnolia Garden, Cherry Blossom Trail, and the Alishan Police Station.
Since Alishan is located at an elevation of more than 2000 meters, getting there is an adventure in itself. But one that’s well worth tackling! Read my super detailed Alishan guide, which includes everything from how to get there to what to do!
- Best time to go: mid-March to mid-April
- Suggested tours: Discover Alishan tour
- Where to stay: Alishan House
Sakura Lane in Shizhao
Roughly 40 minutes from Alishan is the quaint little town of Shizhao (also spelled Shizhuo). While Shizhao is famous for rolling hills covered in Alishan high mountain oolong tea plantations, there is another reason to visit. And that’s to see cherry blossoms!
Sakura Lane, in particular, is a great spot to see blooming flowers. It’s lined with dozens of cherry trees and offers incredible scenery no matter which way you turn – from sweeping tea fields to Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range. Besides being amazingly beautiful, it’s also an easy add-on to any Alishan itinerary if you happen to be in the area.
- Best time to go: mid-March to mid-April.
- Suggested tours: 1,2 or 3 day Alishan tour
- Where to stay: Shan Ming Show B&B
Cingjing Farm
For picture-perfect views of dreamy cherry trees, you don’t need to look much further than Cingjng Farm (also spelled Qingjing), in Nantou County.
Located roughly 1700 meters above sea level, Qingjing is a sleepy little town tucked away on one of Taiwan’s 100 peaks, Hehuanshan. While Cingjing Farm is mostly known for its flocks of sheep grazing along the farm’s slopes, it’s a great place for Taiwan cherry blossom viewing.
There are several scenic blossom viewing spots, with the Sakura Trail and Guanshan Trail offering the best photo opportunities. For more info, read my detailed guides on visiting Qingjing and this guide on how to get there.
- Best time to go: mid-January to early March
- Suggested tours: Cingjing Farm Day tour from Taichung
- Where to stay: The Cotswolds Villa
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Sun Moon Lake is the island’s largest natural lake and undoubtedly one of Taiwan’s most beautiful places to visit. It’s known for its stunning scenery, rich indigenous culture, and fantastic hiking trails.
While Sun Moon Lake is a stunning place throughout the year, it’s particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season. Ci’en Pagoda Trail and the Yidashao Lakeside Trail en route to the Ropeway Station are excellent spots for cherry blossom viewing. But for the crème de la crème of sakura viewing, don’t miss visiting the Formosa Culture Village, which hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival. With more than 5,000 blossoming trees, it’s one of Taiwan’s biggest and most popular sakura festivals. Make sure to book tickets and find accommodation well in advance (see my recommendations on where to stay in Sun Moon Lake), as this is one of the busiest times to visit the area.
In 2024, the festival ran from February 1 to March 10. The dates for 2025 have not been announced yet, so check the park’s official website for updates.
- Best time to go: early February – mid March
- Suggested tours: Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village Ticket
- Where to stay: Shaoguang 188
Tianyuan Temple
Combine a beautiful temple with dozens of blossoming cherry trees, and you’ve got yourself the perfect add-on to any Taipei itinerary during spring.
Wuji Tianyuan Temple is a gorgeous Taoist Temple located just 30 minutes from Taipei City. Even though the temple and massive pagoda are well worth a browse, the main attraction is undeniable, the myriad of blooming tri-color sakura and Yoshino cherry trees. Right behind the grand pagoda, you’ll be greeted with the most exquisite setting under the sun. Not to mention, too many wow moments to count!
In 2024, Tianyuan Temple’s Cherry Blossom Festival ran from February 5–18, with nighttime viewing from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The temple typically holds the festival annually, but 2025 dates have not yet been announced.
- Best time to go: late January to early February (first round) and again in March (second round)
- Where to stay: Happiness.danshui
Wuling Farm
If there is one place you have to visit during springtime, it is Wuling Farm!
What really sets Wuling Farm apart from other Taiwan blossom spots is its sheer amount of cherry trees. The massive farm located in Heping District, Taichung, is home to more than 20,000 cherry trees! These include Taiwan cherry, Oshima cherry, Yaezakura cherry, and the Wusheh cherry. Some of the best flower viewing spots include the Peach Garden, Wuling Road, and Tea Garden Trail.
Just a heads up, since Wuling Farm is a popular attraction during cherry blossom season, the government usually caps the number of daily visitors. For this reason, it’s best to join an organized tour to guarantee access. The Wuling Farm Cherry Blossom Festival ran from February 8-29, 2024 and similar dates are expected for 2025.
- Best time to go: February to early March
- Suggested tours: Wuling Farm Day Trip
- Where to stay: See the beautiful sky in ROOF-SKY
Hsinchu Park
Hsinchu Park is located right in the heart of Hsinchu City. As a result, it is one of the most accessible cherry blossoms viewing spots in Taiwan!
The park houses more than 800 cherry trees ranging from Kawazu-Sakura Cherry and Fuji Cherry to Double-Layered Cherry and Taiwan Cherry. Besides enjoying a gentle stroll, be sure to pop into the traditional Japanese tea house near the pond and the Glass Museum. If you’re visiting with kids, the newly renovated Hsinchu Zoo is also adjacent to the park.
- Best time to go: February
- Where to stay: Fleur Lis Hotel
Wanggao Tea Garden Restaurant
Wanggao Tea Garden (望高茶園景觀餐廳) is a quaint teahouse in the hills of Xinyi Township in Nantou County. Sitting at an elevation of roughly 1500m, it’s definitely not the easiest cherry blossom viewing spot to reach on this list, but the incredible views and pretty blossoms will make up for the effort.
While the teahouse is a cool spot to grab a bite and marvel at endless views over green mountains, it’s its cherry tree forest that makes this place so special. With more than 2000 cherry blossom trees in all varieties planted along a steep slope, you could easily spend a couple of hours here taking photos and soaking up the views.
There are two viewing platforms, with the first visible right from the trailhead next to the restaurant. However, don’t stop there! To get to the hillside forest, you need to go around the bend past the lookout deck. There are no signs in English but keep an eye out for the little yellow arrow signs pointing the way. Once you pass the water tank, a zig-zag trail lined with dozens of cherry trees leads you down the mountain slope. It’s a steep climb up and down, so this might not be the best place for you if you’re visiting with kids or the elderly.
Wanggao Tea House is a real hidden gem, but it’s not the easiest place to reach. It’s best to drive as the closest bus stop is 1.9km away at Caopingtou Yushan Tourist Tea Garden.
- Best time to go: mid-January to mid-February. But since it’s completely off the main tourist track, keep an eye on the restaurant’s fan page for updates on flowering times.
- Where to stay: Tilun Hotel
Baoshan Cherry Blossom Park
Baoshan Cherry Blossom Park is one of the first places to welcome cherry blossom season in Taiwan. So if you happen to be near Kaohsiung during January and February, this is one blossom viewing spot you don’t want to miss!
Tucked away in Kaohsiung’s Taoyuan District, Baoshan Cherry Blossom Park is a sprawling mountainous park that sits at an altitude of roughly 1500m. It is home to an impressive 2000 cherry blossom trees, including everything from Yoshino cherry to Taiwan cherry and Yaezakura cherry.
With incredible views of towering mountaintops and loads of trails lined with all kinds of cherry blossom trees, it’s hard to resist a visit here. While Baoshan Park is a popular spot among cherry blossom chasers and hikers alike, it’s hard to reach, and you’ll definitely need your own transport to get there. [Rent a car or book a private car charter here on Klook]
Last year, the local district’s office also currently ran a month-long cherry blossom festival (Jan 15 – Feb 13), which featured live performances and indigenous stalls selling local specialty snacks.
- Best time to go: mid-January to mid-February
- Where to Stay: Garden Resort Hot Spring
LOHAS Park
If you happen to be in or near Taipei during Taiwan’s cherry blossom season, LOHAS Park is another must-go place for flower viewing.
Located in Neihu District, just outside Taipei, LOHAS Park is a beautiful park home to about 300 cherry blossom trees in various varieties, including Taiwan cherry, Yaezakura, Showa sakura, and Yoshino cherry trees. The park sits along the banks of the Neigou River, with trees planted all along the trail creating the most beautiful setting.
While LOHAS Park is a lovely place to stroll around and admire dreamy blossoms, you should know it’s not the biggest of parks, and as a result, it gets crowded quickly! So whether you’re visiting during the day or at night to see the blooms lit up, get ready to join the scrum!
Several buses can get you to LOHAS Park from downtown Taipei, but the easiest way to get there is to take the Brown MRT line to Donghu Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the park.
- Best time to go: late January to late February
- Where to stay: The Place Taipei
There you have it – the absolute best spots to see Taiwan cherry blossoms! If you think I’ve missed anything or have any other great places to see blooms, let me know in the comments below!
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