WELE Cherry Blossom Park - Visiting Houli, Taichung

Travel Date: 2026/02/16

Long weekend, lots of time… which usually means lots of little trips. And somehow, at least at the beginning of this holiday, it happened that two days in a row we were chasing cherry blossoms.

This time we went to Houli in Taichung.

First, we stopped by the famous Tai’an Police Station, which is well known for cherry blossom viewing. But when we visited, only a few trees were blooming. It still looked nice, but definitely not the full pink explosion you see online.

So we continued to Zhongke Weili Sakura Park — and the situation there was completely different.

Near the entrance, the trees weren’t blooming very generously yet. I was a little worried at first. But as we walked deeper into the park, there were more and more blossoms. White, soft pink, bright pink, even darker double-layered ones. There were also magnolia trees in bloom, which made everything feel even more elegant.

The park isn’t very large, but it’s really pleasant for a walk, especially if you live nearby or want an easy half-day trip.

One of the nicest things about this place is that it’s completely free. The park is maintained by Weili Machinery, a private company, and they open this several-thousand-square-meter green space to the public at no cost. In Taiwan, where many flower attractions charge entrance fees, that feels especially generous.

It’s located close to the Houli Science Park and not far from the Houli interchange, so it’s very easy to reach. The paths inside are wide and flat — stroller-friendly and wheelchair-friendly — which makes it comfortable for families and elderly visitors.

The park was carefully designed with different varieties of cherry blossoms so the blooming season lasts longer, usually from early February to mid-March. 

Because they bloom at slightly different times, you still have a good chance of seeing something beautiful even if you don’t hit the exact peak week.

If you plan to visit, early morning is probably the most peaceful time. Sunset is also beautiful, with warm golden light on the petals. And because blooming times can shift slightly every year due to weather, it’s always a good idea to check recent photos online before going.

After visiting, you can easily turn it into a small day trip — Tai’an Railway Cultural Park, Yue Mei Sugar Factory for traditional popsicles, Lihpao Outlet Mall, or even cycling on the Houfeng Bikeway are all nearby.

Overall, it’s not a huge place, but it’s well maintained, easy to access, free, and very family-friendly.

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Shiyun Temple Trip - Shitan, Miaoli Cherry Blossoms

Travel Date: 2026/02/15

The weather was absolutely beautiful, and with a week-long holiday just beginning, it would have been a pity to stay at home. The sunshine was warm but gentle, the sky was clear, and the air felt fresh — the kind of day that almost invites you to go somewhere.

We decided to visit a temple in Shitan, about an hour’s drive from our home. The journey itself was already a treat. Along the way, we started spotting cherry blossoms here and there — small hints of pink scattered across the hills. But once we arrived, we were amazed. There were so many trees in full bloom, covered in soft pink flowers. It felt like stepping into a spring painting.

The temple, surrounded by mountains and blossoms, looked especially peaceful that day. With the flowers gently swaying in the breeze and the bright blue sky above, it was the perfect way to begin our holiday.

Xieyun Temple (協雲宮)

Xieyun Temple is located on the Bajiaodong mountain range at the border of Shitan and Gongguan. Built along the mountainside at an elevation of over 700 meters, it's a temple that integrates both Buddhist and Taoist traditions. The main deity worshipped here is Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Compassion).

According to local elders, legend says that water once naturally flowed from a rock wall at this site, gradually forming a pond. One day, an elderly woman passed by. Seeing the clear water, she drank from it to quench her thirst. She was also suffering from painful sores on her feet, so she washed them in the water. That night, Guanyin appeared to her in a dream. When she woke the next morning, her sores had miraculously healed. News of this miracle quickly spread, and believers flocked to the site. People then decided to build a small thatched shrine called “Guanyin Pavilion,” which later became the predecessor of Xieyun Temple. This occurred in the second year of the Guangxu reign (1876).

Xieyun Temple sits beside Bajiaodong Mountain, which is one of the scenic spots of the “Three-Tiered Green Terraces” (San Tai Die Cui), one of the Eight Scenic Views of Miaoli. Its location is elevated and offers magnificent scenery. Under a clear blue sky, one can gaze far into the distance: layers of green mountains and competing peaks stretch across the horizon. The twelve townships of Miaoli can be seen at a glance. In autumn and winter, clouds and mist swirl around the mountains, creating an atmosphere described as, “Deep in the clouds, one knows not where — only within these mountains.” Poets, scholars, and those concerned with the fate of their country all find special inspiration here.

The temple grounds are planted with azaleas, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, poinsettias, and other seasonal flowers. In every season — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — visitors can come up the mountain to admire different kinds of blooms, each offering its own beautiful scenery.

A road beside the temple allows both people and vehicles to reach another temple, Dayuanjue Temple. One downhill road toward Gongguan leads to Guanyin Temple, while another road toward Shitan leads into Shitan Township.

It's also said that about a hundred years ago, a woman passing by the present site of Xieyun Temple suddenly suffered severe abdominal pain. In desperation, she drank from a clear spring in a nearby hollow. Unexpectedly, the pain stopped. Later, she returned with offerings to burn incense and give thanks for the healing water. The story spread from one person to another, and eventually local elders suggested building a temple together. It was completed in the eighth year of the Guangxu reign (1882), and Xieyun Temple became a place where people worshipped and collected sacred spring water.

A man named Peng Shengbo later moved the deities worshipped in his home — the Three Benevolent Lords and Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), the Holy King who opened up Taiwan — to this temple. After Taiwan’s retrocession, the temple underwent two renovations and now stands in impressive form.

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Plums Blooming at Meishan Park | Chiayi Travel

Travel Date: 2026/01/17

It’s been three years since our last visit to Meishan, and with plum blossom season arriving, we decided it was the perfect time to come back and check it out again.

We visited in mid-January, and at that time only about 30% of the plum trees were in bloom. While it was still nice to walk around, I’d honestly recommend waiting a little longer if you want to see the park at its most beautiful. The blossoms weren’t quite at their peak yet — but that didn’t stop the crowds. There were plenty of visitors, and finding a parking space was a bit of a challenge. It took us a while, so coming early or being prepared to wait is a good idea.

As every year, the entrance to the park was lively with vendors selling fresh local produce and street food. Inside, there were also stalls offering plum-related products, such as pickled plums and dried plums in a variety of flavors — always tempting and perfect as souvenirs.

One pleasant surprise was the weather. A recent cold front had finally eased, and the temperature reached around 25°C, which felt like a huge change after days of temperatures below 10°C. Walking through the park in warm sunshine made the visit much more enjoyable.

Meishan Park (梅山公園)

Meishan Park is located in the urban area of Meishan Township, Chiayi, and covers approximately 6 hectares. It was once known as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Chiayi. The park was originally developed during the Japanese occupation period, when the first plum trees were planted. Over the years, the number of plum trees has grown to around 3,000, making it one of the most popular places in the region for plum blossom viewing.

Built on a hillside, the park features children’s play areas, flower terraces, walking trails, and landscaped viewpoints, making it a great place for relaxation and outdoor activities. It’s also a favorite spot for locals to exercise and spend time with family.

There is also a memorial dedicated to 74 national army soldiers who tragically lost their lives due to natural disasters. From the monument, you can continue walking uphill to the park’s highest point, Jieshou Pavilion, where you’ll find more shops selling snacks, plum products, and various preserves — a rewarding stop before heading back down.

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Bald Cypress Secret Spot in Sanwan, Miaoli

Travel Date: 2025/11/16

We clearly arrived ahead of peak season this time. Last year, when we visited in early January, the bald cypress trees were already nearly bare. This year we went in mid-November, expecting some autumn colors—but the trees were still completely green. Still, it was a warm, free Sunday, so we decided to take a spontaneous trip.

Honestly, this autumn has felt unusually hot. Wearing shorts in northern Taiwan in November still surprises me. We do get sudden cool days—sometimes a dramatic near 20°C drop—but they usually only last a day or two before the warm weather returns.

If you’re searching for a peaceful place to enjoy late-autumn and winter scenery, the bald cypress forest in Sanwan is a beautiful choice — and it’s completely free to visit.

From November to January, the trees normally shift into warm tones of gold, yellow, and orange-red. When the timing is right, the reflections in the water look like a scene from a painting.

More than 200 bald cypress trees surround the lake, with paths weaving between them. You can also climb up to a few viewing spots on the hills for a higher perspective. Since there wasn’t much color yet this November, we stayed at the lower paths and enjoyed walking among the trees.

The lake is full of ducks—several species, actually. 

The access road is very narrow—only enough space for one car—so take it slow. Most people leave their cars at the entrance of the alley and walk the remaining path. It’s about a 30–40 minute round trip, and there are some slopes, but the trail itself is lovely and relaxing.

There is a small parking area closer to the cypress trees, though reaching it can take longer because passing oncoming vehicles is tricky. Riding a scooter is much more convenient.

If you prefer not to walk, private cars near the alley entrance offer shuttle rides. This is especially helpful for families with young kids or elderly travelers.

Group tours are also available, but buses can only stop by the main road, so there’s still a 1-km walk to the site.

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