The Nantou Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, announced today that Hehuan Mountain is Taiwan's first and highest-altitude forest recreation area. Due to convenient transportation, visitors can reach mountains above 3,000 meters in a short time. After the spring rains, the alpine rhododendron season follows, led by the Yushan rhododendron, whose colors gradually change from fuchsia to pink and white as they bloom, enriching the mountain scenery.

The Nantou Branch stated that the flower buds of alpine rhododendrons form gradually in the previous year. After stimulation by low temperatures in winter, when temperatures warm up in spring, the flowers bloom after vernalization. To adapt to the alpine environment, alpine rhododendrons have hard and thick leathery leaves with a glossy waxy surface and revolute margins to reduce water evaporation and protect against cold climates. Visitors are welcome to observe the characteristics of alpine plants.

Regarding the current rhododendron blooming situation in Hehuan Mountain, the Nantou Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency stated that the flower season is from mid-April to mid-June each year, with late May to mid-June usually being the best viewing period. Some sporadic blooms appeared in early April, and currently, about 20% are in bloom. Shimen Mountain, Hehuan Main Peak, North Peak, East Peak, and the Xiaochilai Trail are popular viewing spots. Visitors are reminded to be careful of slippery trails after rain.

To alleviate traffic on Provincial Highway 14A during the flower season, the Central Region Branch of the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, will implement high-occupancy vehicle (3 or more people per car) and traffic flow controls from 6 AM to 11 AM on weekends and Labor Day holidays from April 11 to June 14. The western control point is at 18 km on Provincial Highway 14A (Cuifeng Control Station), and the eastern control point is at 41.5 km on Provincial Highway 14A (Dayuling) and the intersection with Provincial Highway 8 at 110 km. Traffic flow control will be activated based on congestion, allowing 20 vehicles every 10 minutes. (Edited by Li Xi-zhang) 1150410

FACT BOX

  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: event