Taiwan is located in both tropical and subtropical zones, experiencing mild yet distinctive seasonal changes. Its diverse landscapes — ranging from mountains and hills to rivers and oceans — create unique scenery throughout the year, ensuring that every visit brings new discoveries. Spring, in particular, is the best season to connect with nature, as flowers bloom in abundance and greenery flourishes. With bright and pleasant weather, these five recommendations offer the perfect way to explore Taiwan’s breathtaking springtime charm.
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1. Enjoy a Picnic in the Great Outdoors
Taiwan is rich in green spaces, whether in urban oases or scenic countryside spots, all easily accessible and perfect for a spontaneous day out.In Taipei, Daan Forest Park is a lush retreat in the city center. In spring, the grass grows thick like a green carpet, while azaleas, hydrangeas and fragrant flowering plants bloom in succession, filling the air with their sweet scent. Find a shaded spot, lay down a picnic mat, and soak in the floral atmosphere. If you’re feeling active, take a jog or cycle along the Meiti Riverside Park trail, where the sunset over the Keelung River paints a stunning view. From here, you can even see the Taipei 101 skyscraper and the Four Beasts mountains in the distance, whipped by the gentle evening breeze.
In Taichung, Tunghai University is famous for its Luce Memorial Chapel and the Flame Tree-lined Green Tunnel. The campus comes to life in spring, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Walk along Tunghai Lake to the campus farm, where you can watch cows grazing peacefully and treat yourself to fresh milk and ice cream — a simple yet delightful experience.
In Tainan, Barclay Memorial Park is a hidden gem where cotton trees bloom in warm sunlight, creating a scene reminiscent of an Impressionist painting — ideal for a relaxed picnic. Meanwhile, Kaohsiung’s Chengqing Lake is home to a popular maze garden and hobbit house, featuring family-friendly picnic areas and playgrounds. With a backdrop of mountains and shimmering waters, it’s a great spot for a family day out.
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2. Admire Vibrant Flower Fields
Spring brings a riot of colors as Taiwan’s flower season begins. From cherry blossoms in early spring to pink shower trees in early summer, the landscapes — both rural and urban — are transformed into beautiful floral spectacles. Before setting off, be sure to check real-time bloom updates on the official government website to capture the best moments.
In northern Taiwan’s Yangmingshan National Park, the Yangmingshan Flower Festival is a spring highlight, with cherry blossoms and azaleas blooming until mid-March. Since these flowers are temperature-sensitive, timing your visit is key. Calla lilies, on the other hand, have a longer blooming period, making them perfect for a relaxed outing until around May time. Stroll through the Calla Lily Trail, visit private calla lily farms where you can pick your own flowers, or enjoy the scenic view of Xiaoyoukeng, a mesmerising post-volcanic landscape, from a charming café.
In central and southern Taiwan, March is the peak season for golden trumpet trees. Taichung’s Wenxin Forest Park and Buzi Park are awash with dazzling yellow hues, while in Tainan, the historic Eternal Golden Castle and Chihkan East Street glow with golden blossoms. In Kaohsiung, Victoria Park on Tiantai Mountain and Meinong Lake showcase the dreamy pink shower trees, often called ‘April cherry blossoms’. While there, enjoy a cup of mountain-grown tea or traditional Hakka Lei Cha.
3. Taste Seasonal Spring Vegetables
Spring is the perfect time to indulge in fresh greens, known for their health benefits. Venture into the countryside to savour the best of Taiwan’s seasonal produce.
Taipei’s MICHELIN Green Star restaurant, Yangming Spring (Shilin), is renowned for its plant-based cuisine. In spring, the chef curates a seasonal tasting menu based on the freshest daily ingredients. Nestled in a tranquil mountain retreat, guests can enjoy artisanal tea brewed from mountain spring water alongside delicate tofu pudding, making for a refined and immersive dining experience.
Don’t miss the signature poached chicken and crispy-skinned chicken at Bib Gourmand-recommended restaurant, Sung Chu Yuan, also in Taipei. Pair with a plate of sesame oil red spinach or braised bamboo shoots, both bursting with the flavors of spring.
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For a heartwarming meal, Wang Jia Smoked Lamb in Tainan’s Longqi district offers a unique slow-cooked lamb soup, prepared in a clay pot with local lamb, rice wine and traditional Chinese herbs. Served with seasonal bamboo shoots and wild greens, the dish carries a subtle smokiness, best enjoyed amid the fresh mountain air. Spring is also the season for green plums, which hang ripe on the trees.
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At Plum Chang restaurant in Meiling, visitors can experience plum picking and savor dishes infused with the fruit, such as plum chicken soup and sour plum intestines, served alongside crisp nest ferns and wild greens for a refreshing and appetizing meal.
4、Visit Charming Tea Plantations
Spring is one of the prime tea-harvesting seasons for Taiwan’s high-mountain teas. The fresh, plump tea buds at this time yield some of the most fragrant and exquisite teas.Once a major tea-growing region, Maokong in Taipei’s Muzha district is now a lively tea culture hotspot. A visit here isn’t complete without sipping tieguanyin, the area’s specialty oolong tea. Find a cozy tea house, brew a pot, and enjoy tea-infused delicacies while overlooking Taipei’s glittering night skyline.
Following the success of the TV series Gold Leaf, the DaxiTea Factory in Taoyuan has become a popular destination. Established in 1926, the factory, despite surviving a fire, still retains its historical charm through its Japanese-style architecture and antique tea-processing equipment. After exploring the tea-making process, unwind with a cup of hand-picked honey-scented black tea and a signature tea-infused egg, soaking in the timeless aroma of Taiwanese tea.
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5. Indulge in Authentic Street Food
In Tainan, known as Taiwan’s food capital, Yeh San Duck Thick Soup is located under an old apartment complex, serving up rich, smoky broth. Try it with vermicelli noodles, a dash of black vinegar and a sprinkle of chilli powder for an extra kick.
Finally, Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube (Yancheng) in Kaohsiung is a must-visit for steamed rice pudding tubes, generously topped with sliced pork shoulder and rich braised meat sauce. The steamed egg soup is another house favourite. For a more local experience, Hsiu Ming in Qishan is famous for its perfectly cooked tender pig heart slices, a delicacy cherished by residents.
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The article is written by Jenna Yang and translated by Chia Wen Hsu. Read the original article here.
