Yunlin Travel: Trumpet trees season and food in Douliou

Travel Date: 2021/03/07

We initially didn't have plans to go out, but we ended up visiting my parents-in-law in Yunlin. Along the road from Huwei to Douliou (Hedi Road), we came across a long row of blooming trumpet trees. We took the opportunity to make a video and take some pictures, although the grey sky wasn't ideal for photography. There are two rows of trees, with the ones close to the road being yellow and the ones above being pink. However, the pink trees had very few flowers.

On the same road, there is also a small park with bald cypress trees, even though it's not their blooming season. (More information about the park can be found in my latest posts.)

In Douliou, we tried two popular food places that have been open for many years. One is located near Douliou train station within the morning market. They sell Taiwanese meatballs covered with glutinous rice (RouYuan). A set of two meatballs costs 60NT, and there is always a line of people waiting to try them.

The other place we visited was a dessert shop known for its boiled mochi and shaved ice. This shop has been featured on several TV channels (the list of channels is indicated in the latest picture on the left side). Since moving to the south, it has been difficult to find boiled mochi. The ones we tried were delicious, although they were different from the ones we had in Hsinchu, which had fillings inside. Nonetheless, the mochi here only costs 30NT! I hope to come back here again when I crave it in the future.

Mochi: 

Address:

1.Trumpet Trees: 632雲林縣虎尾鎮虎尾溪黃金風鈴木道
2. Meatballs: 640雲林縣斗六市愛國街21巷10號吳記肉圓
3. Mochi Shop: 640雲林縣斗六市中華路136號長興圓仔冰

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Trumpet Trees in Chiayi

Travel Date: 2021/03/01

Today we visited Chiayi again to see the blooming Trumpet Trees. This particular location is situated north of Chiayi City along the river. The flowers here are in full bloom, especially on one side of the river. On the other side, you can still find several trees with both yellow and pink flowers. The place is located near Tailin Bridge in Chiayi (林橋河堤). Although it may not be easily found on Google Maps, we had a little trouble finding it at first.

See also: Trumpet Trees along Bazhang River

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Chiayi Travel: Flowers of Bazhang River

Travel Date: 2021/02/28

It's trumpet tree blooming season! Unfortunately, we were late to see the pink blossoms as most of the flowers had already fallen. However, the yellow trumpet trees are also beautiful and more commonly seen in the area. The place is located in the northeast of Chiayi City, along the Bazhang River (八掌溪). You can find plenty of blooming trees there. If you're lucky, it's not too difficult to find parking along the road next to the flowering trees. Even though it's Sunday (Feb 28th) today, there weren't as many people there, probably because everyone is busy watching cherry blossoms in other parts of the country.

See also: Trumpet Trees in Chiayi

Address:

600嘉義市東區吳鳳南路547巷嘉義八掌溪堤防黃金風鈴木步道

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Tainan Travel: Kapok and Trumpet Trees

After returning from Alishan, we also made a stop in Tainan's Baihe District. It's currently kapok tree season, so some roads around Baihe are filled with red flowers and tourists. There are also 3-4 pink trumpet trees in the area. Close to the popular road, there is another park with ponds, as well as a farm with donkeys and peacocks. It's a nice place for an afternoon walk.

In recent years, Kapok Road in Baihe District, Tainan has become a must-visit spot for photography and tourism during the spring season. Kapok trees are widely planted in Southeast Asian countries. The Kapok Flower Road is mainly located along South 90 and nearby roads. In 2015, this road was listed as one of the top 15 most magical streets shaded by flowers and trees in the world.

The kapok trees' opening season is from March to April each year, and the flowering period lasts for about two weeks. During this season, the kapok tree first blooms and then grows tender leaves. In winter, the kapok tree appears as if it has dead branches.

Trumpet trees are also common in central and southern Taiwan. These flowers are rich in nectar, making them useful honey plants. You can find Golden Trumpet Trees and Pink Trumpet Trees, with the latter being less popular. Both species are native to the American tropics and subtropics. Tabebuia rosea is an important timber tree, and the wood of these trees is usually light in weight. They are also widely cultivated as ornamental flowers.

See also: Baihe Lotus Festival 

  

  

  

Address:

732台南市白河區玉豐里林初埤白河林初埤木棉花道

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