TAIPEI (Taiwan News) –The numerous plum trees in Tainan City’s Meiling Scenic Area (梅嶺風景區) near Tsengwen Reservoir are expected to be in full bloom during the second half of January, Tourism Bureau of Tainan City Government said in a news release published on Jan. 7, urging the public to plan ahead for a trip to Meiling to enjoy the white, clean plum blossoms, the scenic landscapes along several hiking trails in the area, as well as the well-known local plum delicacies and products.

Meiling Scenic Area is approximately 500-1100 meters above sea level, and its scenery varies the whole year round. In winter, plum blossoms bloom, covering the whole mountain top in white, and if you are lucky, you can see an inspiring 'cloud waterfall' in the distance, according to the agency.

Citing business owners on Meiling, the news release said that currently about 20-30% of the plum flowers have bloomed, which is comparatively late due to the warm weather of this winter, and that it’s estimated that the plum trees will be in full bloom by the second half of January, when there will be white plum flowers everywhere in the area.

There are four main trails in Meiling Scenic Area-- Wulong Trail (伍龍步道), Meilong Trail (梅龍步道), Meifeng Historic Trail (梅峰古道), and Guanyin Trail (觀音步道), the tourism bureau said, adding that there are plum trees along each of the four trails.

Among the scenic trails, Meifeng Historic Trail has always been one of the top choices for the citizens of Tainan to climb the hills at the outskirts of the city, and currently a variety of flowers are blooming along the trail, including camellia, glory bush, Taiwan Cherry, Rosy Trumpet Tree, and azalea, the tourism bureau said. Besides the flowers, the agency added that the trail is worth visiting because it also offers the views of seas of clouds and Tsengwen Reservoir.

Wulong Trail is a relatively relaxed trail where tourists can enjoy the views of Tsengwen Reservoir and head to the popular scenic spot, the One Line Sky Trail, the agency said.

The agency also recommended visitors to Meiling to taste the popular local delicacies of the plum chicken soup and turmeric chicken soup, and buy such delicious snacks as pickled plums, plum wine, and plum vinegar.

Visitors opting for public transportation can take Tainan City Bus Green Line to Yujing (玉井), and then transfer to Meiling.

The following photos are taken from the Tainan Travel website.