Sun Moon Lake cherry festival promises stunning blooms

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Headquarters (日月潭國家風景區管理處) launched the 2026 Sun Moon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (2026日月潭櫻花季) in January, promising a breathtaking display of over 5,000 cherry blossom trees at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (九族文化村) and National Chi Nan University (國立暨南國際大學). This annual event draws tourists eager to witness the spectacular pink sea of flowers.

The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village's cherry blossom, certified by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association (日本櫻花協會), celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. From Jan. 31 to March 8, the village hosts the 2026 Sun Moon Lake Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village Cherry Blossom Festival (2026九族櫻花祭) with over 6,000 cherry trees blooming in succession. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including markets, tea parties, and lighting ceremonies, along with scenic spots like Cherry Blossom Avenue and Cherry Blossom Pavilion.

National Chi Nan University (國立暨南大學) kicked off its 2026 NCNU Cherry Blossom Festival (2026暨大櫻花季) on Jan. 15, focusing on low-carbon, cultural, and local themes. The festival combines cherry blossoms, tea ceremonies, music, and coffee, offering a relaxing forest-themed experience for visitors. This unique approach provides a serene setting for cherry blossom viewing.

From Feb. 14 to March 8, the area will feature "The First Night Sakura in Taiwan" (台灣第一夜櫻). The park will extend its hours until 7:30 p.m., allowing visitors to stroll through the cherry blossom forest with free limited-edition lanterns. The event includes performances blending indigenous enthusiasm and cherry blossom aesthetics, such as taiko drum flash mobs and night cherry blossom lighting ceremonies.

Nearby attractions enhance the visitor experience, with the Hizuki Town (日月町複合式商場), Shuishe Pier (水社碼頭), and Wenwu Temple (文武廟) offering diverse tourism options. These sites provide additional cultural and recreational activities for tourists exploring the area.

The administration also recommends several cherry blossom routes, such as the Ita Thau Lakeside Trail (伊達邵親水步道), where visitors can enjoy the interplay of lake scenery and cherry blossoms. Other picturesque paths include Jinlong Mountain Trail (金龍山步道) and Shifo Park (石佛公園), while Yuchi Township's (魚池鄉) Xiangcha Lane (香茶巷) and Youshuixiang (有水巷), along with Xinyi Township's (信義鄉) Guangfu Lane (光復巷), offer 'pink tunnels' perfect for leisurely walks amid falling blossoms.