TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The annual Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival will begin March 10 and run through April 10, with special traffic controls in place to manage an expected surge of visitors, per CNA.
The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration said Taiwan cherry and Okame cherry blossoms are already in bloom, while Yoshino cherry trees are expected to reach peak bloom in mid-March.
The festival draws about 150,000 visitors each year to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, where 31 varieties of cherry trees and other seasonal flowers bloom in succession.
From early to mid-April, double-flowered varieties such as Takasago cherry, Kwanzan cherry, and Fugenzo cherry are typically in bloom. Other flowers expected during the festival period include primroses, magnolias, camellias, azaleas, and wisteria.
Recommended cherry blossom-viewing spots include the Shizhuo Cherry Blossom Trail, Eryanping Trail, Tea Mountain Trail, and Mituo Temple. The Highway Bureau said traffic control measures will be implemented from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends between March 10 and April 10.
During the control period, small vehicles without permits will be prohibited from entering the area. Commercial taxis and vehicles with special circumstances, such as weddings or funerals, will be exempt.
Other visitors must take a shuttle bus from the Leyeh Service Area on Provincial Highway 18 at the 61-kilometer marker to access the mountain area, authorities said.
