Winter is almost behind us, and no event provides more evidence of the change of season than the Yangmingshan Flower Festival (
A wild variety of blooms have freshly emerged from their winter casing to make a riot of color, bringing welcome relief after another grey winter. So although there is plenty to see in Yangmingshan all year round, the flower festival, which lasts through March, is the main event of the season.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
To deal with anticipated crowds, special traffic controls will be put into effect for the weekends, when huge numbers of visitors travel to the mountain to enjoy the blooms and fine weather.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
This year, events for the festival have been coordinated by the Yangmingshan Studio (陽明山書院). There will be six guided tours of the Chunghsing Lodge (中興賓館), located on the 15-hectare studio grounds, during holiday weekends through March. The lodge, which first opened to the public in June, 1998, and has already attracted 200,000 visitors, was originally used to accommodate guests of state. The Yangmingshan
Two special tour programs have also been organized by the Yangmingshan park administration, one focusing on peonies and maples that ornament the Yangmingshan Studio grounds, and the second focusing on the abundant flora and fauna of nearby Tatun Mountain (大屯山).
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
The studio tours will take place on March 14 and March 21. The Tatun Mountain tours are scheduled for March 12 and March 19 and again on May 4 and May 11. Under the guidance of tour guides, visitors will have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Yangmingshan and its surroundings. Openings are limited. For information on these tours contact (02) 2861-8744 ext. 3616.
PHOTO CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
Traffic restrictions will be in force on holiday weekends during the flower festival period, so the Yangmingshan park administration recommends that visitors use public transport.
To reach Yangmingshan, the 260 bus from downtown Taipei is the best choice, which drops you off at the Yangmingshan Visitors Center (陽明山國家公園遊客中心). Or take the 9 minibus from Peitou (
For more information, visit: http://www.cpami.gov.tw/ymsnp/ymshome.htm
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