April 24, 2020

Chiayi Travel: Blue Jacaranda Tunnel

We previously visited this location at the end of March, but unfortunately, there were hardly any flowers blooming at that time. However, my desire to witness the full bloom of jacaranda trees brought us back here! This is the only place in Taiwan where I could find such a concentration of jacaranda trees in one location. In the resting area of Gukeng, there are also 2-3 of these trees. Upon our arrival, there were very few people around, which is particularly beneficial during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, the nearby park offers the opportunity to see a few tung trees and pink shower trees.

The jacaranda tunnel in Lucuo dike, Chiayi, is really beautiful! Stretching approximately 800 meters in length, it is the only jacaranda tunnel in Taiwan. The blooming period lasts for about 20 days from April to May. To increase your chances of encountering the purple blanket of flowers, it is recommended to arrive in the morning. Originally planted by the River Bureau of the Water Conservancy Department as sidewalk trees beside the flood control road, this picturesque tunnel is a sight to behold.

Jacaranda trees have been extensively planted in various parts of Asia, particularly in Nepal. They have been introduced to numerous tropical and subtropical regions, becoming an integral part of popular culture. The name "jacaranda" is believed to have Guarani origins, meaning "fragrant." Several species of jacaranda are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, renowned for their vibrant flower displays. The Blue Jacaranda is the most commonly seen variety, although some species also produce white flowers.


Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Jacaranda trees tunnel in Chiayi, Taiwan

Address:

600嘉義市東區後庄里藍花楹隧道

April 18, 2020

Tainan Travel: The Path of Pink Shower Trees

Spring in Taiwan is truly a magnificent season with an abundance of blooming flowers. I'm happy that Tainan offers numerous locations to enjoy a variety of flowers. If you're interested in discovering more fascinating flower spots, feel free to follow my blog or Facebook page for updates.

During our recent visit, we explored Xigang District in Tainan to witness the mesmerizing bloom of pink shower trees. Native to Southeast Asia, these trees have been cultivated in tropical regions around the world as ornamental plants. They hold significance in Thai culture as one of the Nine Auspicious Trees, believed to bring good luck, ensure high status, and symbolize victory. In fact, the flower of the pink shower tree is designated as the provincial flower of Chainat Province in Thailand. Often referred to as the "cherry blossom of Thailand," these trees display clusters of flowers ranging in color from pale pink to crimson, adorned with vibrant yellow stamens.


Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Pink shower trees in Xigang, Tainan, Taiwan

Address:

723台南市西港區南45-1鄉道花旗木步道

April 13, 2020

Tainan Travel: Hollyhock Fields in Tainan

March is the season for hollyhock blooming. In Poland, hollyhocks are popular garden flowers, but it's not very common to see them in Taiwan. During this trip, we visited Xuejia District in Tainan to admire the beautiful fields of hollyhocks. The fields were adorned with decorative elements, providing great photo opportunities. The road leading to the fields was lined with stalls selling popular street foods. Additionally, there were smaller fields featuring zinnia flowers and purple sage.

Xuejia District has a historical background as it was originally settled by the Pingpu People, specifically the Siraya Tribe. The township was officially established on February 2, 1968, consisting of 28 villages. On December 25, 2010, Tainan County was reorganized and elevated to a municipality, resulting in the renaming of Tainan County Xuejia Township Office to Tainan City Xuejia District Office.


Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Hollyhock blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Flowers blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Flowers blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Flowers blossom, Xuejia, Tainan, Taiwan

Address:

726台南市學甲區光華里8鄰過港子65號光華里民活動中心

April 7, 2020

Tainan Travel: Caoshan Moon World Grand Canyon

Caoshan Moon World (草山月世界大峽谷)

The Caoshan (Grass Mountain) Moon World Grand Canyon in Zuozhen District is connected to the mudstone badlands of Neimen, Tianya, and Yanchao Districts in Kaohsiung City.

Badlands are limestone terrains composed of sandstone and shale, forming a unique chalk landform. Taiwan, belonging to the unstable crust orogenic belt and an island arc topography with strong orogenic movement and rapid uplift rate, is prone to the formation of badlands. The high alkalinity of the chalk soil makes it rock-like when dry, making it difficult for vegetation to grow. Only the drought-resistant cypress bamboo thrives here. The soil becomes soft and muddy when it rains, and the rain carves streams, resulting in the distinctive half-surface mountain valleys and cliffs.

The highest point of Caoshan is 308 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of sunrise and the dynamic changes in cloud formations. In winter, the green thorn bamboo leaves gradually turn yellow, and in the following spring, they change to orange and red, creating a beautiful landscape. The best time to observe the color change of thorn bamboo is typically from March to April each year.


Caoshan Moon World Great Canyon, Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Caoshan Moon World Great Canyon, Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Caoshan Moon World Great Canyon, Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Caoshan Moon World Great Canyon, Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Caoshan Moon World Great Canyon, Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Caoshan Moon World Great Canyon, Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Zuozhen Fossil Museum (左鎮化石園區)

Additionally nearby you can explore the Zuozhen Fossil Park, which houses a collection of land and sea animal fossils such as mammoths, Formosa sika deer, crocodiles, and shellfish. The park's primary exhibits consist of a rich collection of land vertebrate fossils unearthed in the region. The park also features exhibits like the Zuozhen Man skull and the restored skeleton of Hayasaka Rhino. With its various exhibition halls, interactive activities, and educational resources, the Fossil Park serves as a unique combination of a school and educational museum. It has become a valuable treasure trove of fossils in Taiwan, contributing to fossil studies and promoting scientific knowledge and cultural appreciation in Zuozhen District.

Fossil Park Museum in Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Fossil Park Museum in Zuozhen, Tainan, Taiwan

Address:

1. Caoshan Moon World: 713台南市左鎮區草山里草山月世界大峽谷
2. Fossil Park: 713001台南市左鎮區61-23號臺南左鎮化石園區

April 2, 2020

Tainan Travel: Liujia Bald Pine Forest

We visited the pine forest in Liujia, Tainan during the long weekend in April. I had initially planned to go to Kaohsiung during that time, but I anticipated it would be crowded. It's better to maintain social distance from others during this period.
We decided to go for a drive without any specific plans. The forest, even in its green state, looked beautiful and provided a great backdrop for taking pictures.

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Liujia Bald Pine Forest, Tainan, Taiwan

Address:

734台南市六甲區縱貫公路台南六甲落羽松森林