Where to see cherry blossom in Asia

Spring is nearly coming, that means time to enjoy the cherry blossom in the air. In Asia, you can easily catch the scent of cherry blossom falling in the land. Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are the best places to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom in the upcoming springtime.

TAIWAN

Alishan National Scenic Area 

Alishan is popular throughout the year as people take a trip up the mountain railway to witness the sunrise over the sea of clouds. However, cherry blossom season from January to April is the absolute best time to visit. The area is awash with color, and it’s simply breathtaking. If you’re heading to the scenic area, make sure to take the old train up part of the mountain. The scenery is spectacular, and it’s quite the experience.

Wuling Farm

Home to several fruit farms and set in the spectacular mountainous countryside of Taichung, it really is the perfect setting to unwind. And during the early months of the year, the area is transformed into a veritable sea of pink flowers.

See more: A quick guide to see cherry blossom in Taiwan

SOUTH KOREA

Jinhae

Jinhae, located near Busan, hosts the oldest and biggest cherry blossom festival in Korea. The city has one of the biggest concentration of cherry blossom trees in the world and the blooming flowers on hundreds of thousands of cherry trees turn the scenery into a pastel dream. Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival is definitely worth visiting even from Seoul.

Yeouido Park

Check out the Yeouido Flower Festival which is famous for its celebration of 1,886 Korean cherry trees. Get ready to feast your eyes at all the delicate sakura blooms during the cherry blossom season. Yeouido Park, located alongside the Han River, is one of the best and most popular spots to celebrate the beginning of spring! The Spring Flower Festival is the biggest spring festival in Seoul and the Yunjunro Street is lined up with blooming cherry trees for up to 6 km, so there are plenty of spots for admiring the scenery.

JAPAN

Hanamiyama Park (Fukushima)

Hanamiyama Park was opened to the public in 1959 to give the local community the opportunity to see the mountain’s beautiful array of flowers. In spring, the mountain comes to life with plum, cherry, and forsythia blossoms, as well as a wide range of other flowers. In full bloom the flowers paint the mountain in a gentle shade of pink, creating a surreal, fantastic atmosphere.

Mount Fuji

The only thing better than one Japanese national icon is two Japanese national icons – and for a couple of months each year you can get two for the price of one as Mount Fuji is surrounded by cherry blossom. There are numerous places from which to view Mount Fuji, but our favorites are Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes region. Fuji Five Lakes is perhaps better than Hakone when it comes to Sakura, and two of the best spots are the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko and the Chureito Pagdo, built in the hills of Fujiyoshida City.

Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)

Tokyo is famous the world over as a hyper-modern metropolis packed with high-rise buildings and flashing neon lights, and whilst this is true – there is also a surprising wealth of green spaces where you can take time out from the hustle and bustle of the city to relax. One of the best places to see cherry blossom in Tokyo is undoubtedly Shinjuku Gyoen, which is home to over one thousand cherry trees of both early- and late-blooming varieties, meaning that the sakura season here lasts longer than elsewhere in the city.

Source Internet

Chap Goh Meh, Chinese Valentine

The Chinese New Year marks the start of a new beginning for the Chinese. For some families, this is the only time of the year when all the family members have a chance to sit down for dinner together and to meet old friends and relatives. However, all things wonderful will eventually come to an end. As the eve of Chinese New Year is celebrated with a big bang, the climax of this festival is also a grand affair.

While it is officially known as the Lantern Festival, many refer to it as the Chinese Valentine’s Day with some who are familiar to the Hokkien dialect, would simple sees it as the 15th night of Chinese New Year.

What to know about Chap Goh Meh

This tradition originated in Penang. In the past, Chap Goh Mei was one of the few occasions where eligible young ladies, transformed into scorching beauties, were allowed out from the confines of their homes.

As in other celebrations, there are many legends and stories about the traditions and celebrations of Chap Goh Meh. According to folklore, during ancient times, young girls were forbidden to go out except on Chap Goh Meh when they could visit temples accompanied by their maids. For the guys, it is the chance for them to catch a glimpse of these lovely maidens. This explains why Chap Goh Meh is also regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.

On the night of Chap Goh Meh, unmarried girls will throw tangerines in the sea or river in the belief that they will be able to marry good husbands.

What to expect

During the celebrations, visitors will see a colourful display of brightly lit red lanterns and lion dances. The Chinese will throng the main temple shrine to offer prayers to the deities and obtain blessings. Besides that, visitors to the temple will also drink ‘holy water’ from the Kuan Yin fountain for good health and good luck. Tourists can take photographs of the dragon-inspired columns and pagoda rooftops. Before leaving the temple, remember to get some souvenirs from the souvenir shops at the lowest level.

In the northern state of Penang, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Chap Goh Meh is a major event. The island is renowned for fine beach resorts, colourful festivals and mouth-watering food. The celebration of Chap Goh Meh can be seen every year in George Town, the capital city of Penang, at the Esplanade, a well-known waterfront promenade that stretches from the hawker stalls at one end to the clock tower at the other. It is located next to Fort Cornwallis, which was built on the site of Captain Francis Light’s historic landing in 1786.

Activities and Entertainments

In Taoism, it is believed that the fifteenth lunar day (Chap Goh Meh in Hokkien Dialect) of the first lunar month is the Taoist god Tianguan birthday. Responsible for good fortune, it is said that Tianguan is a big fan of all kinds of entertainment, which is why followers prepare various types of activities during which they pray for good fortune. Another version is associated with Taiyi Shengshui, the God of Heaven. The belief was that the deity controlled the destiny of the human world.

It was said beginning with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, all the emperors would order splendid ceremonies each year on this day to gain favour from Taiyi to bring favourable weather and good health to him and his kingdom. However, it was Wudi of the Han Dynasty who directed special attention to this event. In 104 BCE, he proclaimed it to be one of the most important celebrations and the ceremony would last throughout the night with firecrackers and performances around the city.

Read more: Top traditions of Chinese New Year

Love is blind on Chinese Valentine’s day

Today at Esplanade, George Town’s famous waterfront promenade, everyone is throwing oranges. It almost feels that the tradition of single women hoping the sea would bring them love, was replaced by a belief that the sea (or some golden fish living in it?) would make just any wish come true.

Instead of jumping into the sea to gather as many “free” blind dates as possible, the boys of today are also throwing oranges, missing the point entirely. It seems everybody is absorbed by Valentine wishes, so much that they do not realize that they are the ones who can make them come true.

Chap Goh Meh in upcoming years

2019 – February 19th
2020 – February 8th
2021 – February 26th
2022 – February 15th

Source Internet

The unique experiences in Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is a magical place. The landscape itself is reason enough to make the 7-hour trek from Ha Noi, but this place is much more than just a beautiful landscape. This mountainous town is home to five ethnic minority hill tribes who still dress in traditional garb and speak in their own dialects. Come to Sapa, defeating Fansipan, seeing countless pieces of clouds and green fields. There are many interesting experiences waiting for you in this foggy town.

Observing the world’s most wonderful grained fields

Terrace fields located in Sapa are said to be one of the greatest terraced fields all over the world. Nature’s mother not only gave the locals this significant landscape and perfect weather, but also provided them dexterity in hands. During the period of many years passing, they created masterpieces which are just like stairs heading towards the sky. Wheat harvest in September, when the green fields turned yellow. This is an appropriate time to come to Sapa.

Climbing the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan

The highlight of Sapa has to be the Fansipan Mountain. With an elevation of 3,143m, it is the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and a triumphant embodiment of the ‘Roof of Indochina’. If you are up for a challenge, the climb is doable in a day, approximately within 10 to 12 hours. Most guide treks, however, suggest a two or three-day climb to pace the trek and minimise exertion especially for those who are less physically fit. Trekkers who stay overnight have the opportunity to mingle with other trekkers which makes the experience more uplifting as you share your struggles. The breathtaking view of Fansipan Mountain is one that you should not miss.

Spending a night at a local house

Homestay at a local house, having traditional dishes, getting up in a remote village would be a wonderful experience you cannot forget whenever arriving in Sapa. Homestay services in Sapa are modern, you can absolutely assure about sanitary and food.

Walking and living slowly in the land of Sapa

Wandering in Sapa will gives you unforgettable memories. Sapa is a tourist destination having the longest walking street all over the world. If you come to Sapa, you may walk a dozen of kilometers, from morning to the afternoon, passing over the town and the villages, paddy fields, bridges and small streams. Walking in order to live your life slower, watching and learning more about the life and the local culture of people living here. Some attractive destinations have to be mentioned are Sapa Ancient Town, Village of Cat Cat, valley of Muong Hoa, Ta Van.

Read more: 8 must-see places in Sa Pa in the morning

Taking a leisure stroll near Sapa Lake

Tired of shopping or walking around? Take a breather at the Sapa Lake which emanates a blend of tranquility and marvellous grandeur. You can walk along the stretch of the lake or alternatively enjoy your food at the benches provided and wallow in the repose of your mind.

Exploring the non-touristy side of Sapa

If conquering Fansipan, wandering around the center of the town and villages does not makes you feel fresh, then, there is one corner in Sapa that has no tourist, un-noisy, un-dusty, un-trading, such as villages located in the region of Thanh Kim or Nam Sai. There will be only be you with the peaceful forest, the green fields and magnificent Lien Son ranges of mountains. A normal Sapa which is 2 - 3 km away from the center through ancient road and valley of Muong Hoa.

Source Eastasy