The highly anticipated annual event, the 2026 Sun Moon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, has officially begun. Centered around two of the area’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and National Chi Nan University, the festival joins forces with local industries to showcase a breathtaking pink landscape formed by more than 5,000 cherry blossom trees. Paired with limited-time themed tours, exclusive merchant offers, and special prize draws through the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle program, the festival invites visitors from Taiwan and abroad to experience the romance of spring in the Sun Moon Lake area.
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village: Celebrating 40 Years with the Debut of the Adorable Mascot “Jiu Wan Liang”
Recognized by the Japan Sakura Association as an overseas cherry blossom viewing destination, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village marks a milestone year with the 2026 Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Festival, held in celebration of the park’s 40th anniversary. With the anniversary significance, the festival has been expanded in scale and content. Running from January 31 to March 8, the park is home to more than 6,000 cherry blossom trees, including double-layered cherry blossoms, Fuji cherry, Yoshino cherry, and Taiwan’s only “White Lover” Taiwan snow cherry. Different varieties bloom in succession through March, allowing visitors to enjoy a dreamlike sea of cherry blossoms without traveling abroad.
Adding to this year’s highlights is the debut of the park’s new mascot, the giant lucky cat “Jiu Wan Liang,” symbolizing double blessings and completeness. An interactive display featuring soft silicone paw pads invites visitors to touch and engage with the mascot. Beyond daytime flower viewing, the much-anticipated “Taiwan’s First Night Cherry Blossom Viewing” takes place from February 14 to March 8. During this period, the park extends its operating hours until 7:30 p.m., and visitors can stroll beneath the blossoms carrying complimentary limited-edition lanterns. A series of performances, including Taiko drumming to welcome spring, YOSAKOI dance flash mobs, and the spectacular Night Dance Festival fire show, further blends Indigenous cultural energy with the refined beauty of cherry blossoms.
National Chi Nan University: A Cherry Blossom Tea Gathering on Rolling Green Lawns
Nearby, National Chi Nan University will host the 2026 National Chi Nan University Cherry Blossom Season from January 15 to February 22. Across the university’s expansive grassy lawns, thousands of double-layered cherry blossoms, mountain cherry trees, and weeping cherry trees are beautifully arranged throughout the campus. This year’s program centers on the themes of low-carbon living, arts and culture, and local character, featuring a curated series of activities that bring together cherry blossoms, tea ceremony, music, and coffee. Beneath trees in full bloom, visitors can take part in elegant cherry blossom tea gatherings and savor the aroma of locally produced teas. On weekends, the event also features a small farmers’ market and family-friendly nature outings, joined by Puli’s local mascot “Puli,” offering a relaxing, forest-inspired cherry blossom experience.
Hidden Cherry Blossom Gems: Exploring Sun Moon Lake’s Pink Secrets
Apart from the two main cherry blossom destinations, the Sun Moon Lake area is home to many other scenic spots well worth a visit. The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Headquarters specially recommends several cherry blossom walking routes, including leisurely strolls along the Ita Thao Lakeside Trail and the Ci’en Pagoda Trail, where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms set against sparkling lake views and surrounding mountains. Travelers may also head to the Jinlong Mountain Trail and Shifo Park to capture stunning floral scenes. In Yuchi Township, lanes such as Xiangcha Lane and Youshui Lane, as well as Guangfu Lane in Xinyi Township, are lesser-known cherry blossom tunnels favored by locals, ideal for slow walks amid falling petals and a tranquil spring atmosphere.
Featured Itineraries: Land-and-Water Adventures for a Sustainable Cherry Blossom Experience
In addition to the two main cherry blossom destinations, local operators have also introduced in-depth themed itineraries. From January 15 to March 7, Onelife。Fishman presents the “SUP Cool!” and “Clean & Green Sun Moon Lake” activity series, inviting visitors to paddle a stand-up paddleboard to the hidden Yueya Bay cherry blossom spot or join cycling activities on January 19 and March 2. These programs promote low-impact travel while offering locally sourced meals. From February to March, Hugosum hosts the “Half-Day Tea Blending Master Mini Tour,” guiding participants through tea plantations and hands-on blending of cherry blossom–inspired tea sachets, followed by a leisurely afternoon tea enjoyed with cherry blossoms framed outside the windows. For registration details, please contact the respective organizers via their official LINE accounts or websites.
Ride Taiwan Tourist Shuttle for Prize Draws, Making Low-Carbon Cherry Blossom Viewing Even Greener
According to the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Headquarters, to promote sustainable tourism, this year’s cherry blossom season features the “Ride Taiwan Tourist Shuttle and Win Prizes” campaign. From now through March 8, travelers who take designated routes such as the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Sun Moon Lake Route and Checheng Route, and meet the minimum spending requirement at participating partner stores, will have a chance to win prizes including projectors, vacuum cleaners, and accommodation vouchers.
Visitors are warmly invited to come to Sun Moon Lake, take the cable car for sweeping views of pink-tinted hills, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon strolling through campuses and scenic trails, creating unforgettable memories at the 2026 Sun Moon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival.
For the latest event information, please visit the following:
2026 Sun Moon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival Information
Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Headquarters Facebook Fan Page