If you’re planning to go on a vacation to see the cherry blossoms, you should definitely consider Taiwan as a destination. Compared to Japan and South Korea, the cherry blossom viewing vacation in Taiwan is more budget friendly, less crowded, and more importantly, just as beautiful. Although the cherry blossom season starts as early as January, the cherry trees stay in bloom up until April thanks to Taiwan’s unique varieties of cherry trees. This guide will give you an idea about where to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Taiwan.

Located north of Taipei City, Yangmingshan National Park offers one of Taiwan’s most beautiful landscapes with its lush green valleys and numerous hot springs. Other than the great number of cherry trees lining its hiking trails and pathways, you can also expect to find a beautiful variety of spring blossoms, wild peonies, azaleas, camellias, and more. There is a lot to see and do in Yangmingshan National Park: visiting the historical summer residence of Taiwan’s first leader Chiang Kai-Shek, taking the trail to the top of Mount Qixing to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Taipei City, or simply enjoying the hot spring at Lengshuikeng to wind down.

Whatever you choose to do, you can get to Yangmingshan National Park by taking the THSR train to Taipei Station, then transfer to the Jinshan Line Royal Bus to reach the administration office of Yangmingshan National Park. Alternatively, ride the MRT to Jiantan Station from Taipei Station then transfer to either the red line city bus No.5 to Yangming Mountain or city bus No.108 to the tourist center. Owning an THSR Pass will make your journey to Yangmingshan Park so much easier. There are also numerous tours available that will take you to explore Yangmingshan.

This beautiful temple built to worship Yu Huang Dadi, one of the three greatest deities in Taoism, becomes surrounded by the pink petals of Yoshino cherry trees every spring. The highlight of this temple is the five-story Altar of Heaven, a pagoda located in the middle of the temple area. Standing 60 meters tall, visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountain, cherry tree blossoms, and even the ocean in the distance. To get there, take the Red Metro Line to Tamsui Station From the Taipei Main Station (not covered by THSR Pass). Once you arrive at Tamsui Station, there are shuttle buses arriving every 30 minutes that will take you to the temple. To get from Taipei to Tamsui easily, it is recommended that you own a Taipei Metro EasyCard.

Established in 1963 by a group of retired soldiers as a fruit-growing area, Wuling Farm has developed into a popular mountain retreat for Taiwanese locals. Today, it houses numerous maple, pear, apple, and even more than 30,000 cherry trees. One of the best features of the farm is the romantic pathway lined with cherry trees on both sides, creating a pink tunnel of petals. While you’re there, don’t forget to take the path between the tea plantation up the mountain until you reach the magnificent Taoshan Waterfall.

The easiest way to get to Wuling Farm is by taking the train from Taipei Station to Luodong Station (covered by the THSR Pass). Continue by taking the bus to get dropped off at Wuling Farm.

Certified as the one and only place to enjoy cherry blossoms outside of Japan by the Japanese Government, Formosan Aboriginal Village combines the rich cultures of native Taiwanese tribes with a European-themed amusement park. Within the area, you’ll get to see and enjoy traditional houses, museums, aboriginal dance performances, roller coasters, and even a 3D theater. You can also ride the cable car across the beautiful Sun Moon Lake to enjoy the cherry blossoms from above. This village features numerous restaurants serving halal food and even prayer rooms.

To get to Formosan Aboriginal Village, take the THSR train from Taipei to Taichung Station and continue by riding the Nantou Bus bound for Sun Moon Lake. Finally, get off at Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village stop (the bus ride is not covered by THSR Pass).

Another great place to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Central Taiwan is Cingjing Farm. Known as the Alps of Taiwan, this high-altitude countryside offers a tranquil view of vast green grasslands, herds of pasturing sheep, and bright pink cherry tree blossoms. There is a pathway that goes through the length of the farm which includes the 500-meter-long Sakura Trail. Follow the steps further and you’ll see horses abound at the Equestrian Show Stage. There is also a 1-km-long skywalk that allows you to enjoy the grassland from above. To get to the farm, take the THSR train from Taipei to Taichung THSR Station and board a bus to Cingjing Farm from there (the bus ride is not covered by THSR Pass).

Located near Chiayi and Nantou County, Alishan is a mountainous area where more than 19,000 white Yoshino cherry trees grow. The best way to enjoy the charms of Alishan is by riding the Red Forest Railway Train, a vintage train that cuts between the cherry trees all the way up through the mountain. Alishan is also the home of the Tsou Tribe. You’ll get to enjoy their signature dish of stone slab BBQ, bamboo tube rice, and Areca Flower Soup at the numerous restaurants and homestays in the area. Along the way, you’ll also find a lot of teahouses for you to relax under the cherry trees. Take the THSR to Chiayi TRA Station, located in downtown Chiayi, and continue by riding the shuttle bus to reach Alishan. There is also a 10-hour tour that will take you from Taichung to Alishan.

Taiwan is a region that is best to be explored by train. Both the Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass and the Taipei Metro EasyCard will make your journey in Taiwan more affordable and hassle-free. Also don’t forget to grab a 4G card to stay in touch with your family in Indonesia and share the stories of your adventure there.