LIST: Best places to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan and when it's best to visit

The new year is here, which means it's time to wait and see the cherry blossoms at their peak!

These pretty pink blooms are always a treat to the eyes. Usually thriving in countries with colder climates, the blooming of cherry blossoms is an event worth the wait, especially since they last only for a week or two.

If you don’t have a visa for Japan or South Korea—both famously known for their cherry blossom seasons—you can always head to Taiwan, which also offers the same breathtaking beauty.

Need help planning that itinerary? Here are some places where you can enjoy sakuras in Taiwan, and when's the best time to visit.

Yangmingshan National Park

One of the places where cherry blossoms bloom early is Yangmingshan. Conveniently located in Taipei, this spot is a nice nature fix amid the city's busy streets. Make sure to take Instagram-worthy photos around the Flower Clock, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the Shuilian Cave, and more.

Peak bloom is usually in early February. You can also marvel at the fairytale-like nature views and festivities at the Yangmingshan Flower Festival, which usually runs from late January to mid-March.

Wuling Farm

Cherry blossoms also bloom early at Wuling Farm in Taichung, where the peak bloom is in late February. This mountainous attraction is famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms and natural landscapes. Some attractions you must visit are the Taoshan Waterfall, the tea plantation, and the flower fields. To make the most out of your visit, you can camp out in its designated area and enjoy a night of stargazing.

Tianyuan Temple

Tianyuan Temple in New Taipei is also among the famous spots for cherry blossoms in Taiwan. The sakuras usually bloom in late February. The vibrant five-story temple serves as a perfect contrasting backdrop for the pink hues of the cherry blossom. Other than the blooms, you also get a nice panoramic view of New Taipei.

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

If you're in central Taiwan, make sure to include Alishan National Forest Recreation Area in your itinerary. This spot offers scenic views of nature, including a sea of clouds. It's also a nice spot during the sakura season. Some places you can visit within the area are the Alishan Forest Railway, Sisters Ponds, Giant Trees Trail, Alishan Cherry Blossom Trail, Shouzhen Temple, and the must-see Zhushan Sunrise Trail.

Alishan is in a high-elevation area, so the sakura usually bloom later, typically from mid-March to early April.

Sun Moon Lake 

Another nice spot for a nature escapade is Sun Moon Lake in Nantou. Cherry blossoms usually peak in mid-February in this area. In addition to sightseeing, you can enjoy cycling, boat rides, hiking, and riding the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway for a panoramic view of Taiwan's largest alpine lake, which reveals the crescent-shaped split between its east and west sides.

Lala Mountain

If you enjoy exploring quieter spots to admire cherry blossoms, Lala Mountain in Taoyuan is a perfect choice. You can have a picnic under the beautiful cherry and Fuji cherry trees, which usually bloom from late February to early March. Besides cherry blossom viewing, Lala Mountain offers scenic hiking trails, serene forest walks, and opportunities to spot wildlife.