< Visited in Nov 2014 >
The annual Xinshe Flower Fest 新社花海 was one of the two triggers how I even noticed Xinshe 新社 in the first place - the other being Lavender Cottage 薰衣草森林. Once a travel destination takes root in my mind, I tend to obsess over it till I get there. So there you go, an eventual trip in 2014, centred on the two triggers.
If I understand it right, the annual flower fest at some point became a biennial affair, with the introduction of Zhongshe Flower Market 中社观光花市 - which takes place in Houli District 后里区, Taichung City. As for how accurate this info is, or what is the current status, do always refer to the respective official sites.
Back to the focus of this post, Xinshe 新社 was as sunny and hot as any summer day, despite being in November (by right autumn). Considering the flower fest is open-air with limited shelters, do be forewarned to turn up well prepared for the elements. BUT, I felt it was totally worth the sunburn. The other thing to note, is really to respect the effort put into organising such events - visitors (both natives and foreigners) may tend to get over-excited, but it is really not that difficult keeping off areas that we are not supposed to step into, refraining from destroying things and helping to protect the wonderful sights for other visitors to appreciate.
For photog enthusiasts and vloggers, you won't be disappointed. Will let my (very amateurish) photos do the talking...
I always envy furkid parents in Taiwan, for being in a pet-friendly nation. And miss my own furkids back home, wondering if they will enjoy such outings with me.
Other than the vast floral plots, there are small local agriculture and produce zones, art installations and F&B zones.
Other than providing respite from the hot weather, the sheltered exhibition and retail zones were great distractions.
Admittedly, I loved the local produce section - being hugely impressed by locally cultivated fruits. That was the trip I was totally wowed by the true flavours of passion fruit and (Jufeng 巨峰) grapes. Do not even think of missing this zone if you visit the flower fest (or similar events).
There are also stalls outside the event premises proper - do remember to support them too!
留言列表
{{ article.title }}
