March is a wonderful month in the subtropical part of the world. This is the time when many wild flowers can be admired in their natural environment and in Taipei, they are closer than you think.

Yang Ming Mountain, or Yangmingshan National Park is the most flourishing park during the flower season with many different flowers, among them are: azalea, cherry, peony, tea etc. The park is now covered in pink, white, red and purple colors.

Close to the park is Bamboo Lake with a big plantation of calla lilies. The lilies are normally white but some vendors do have some with different colors for you to enjoy.

The best way to enter the park is to take public buses to the mountain; # 260, S15, S16, S17, S18, S19, Red 5 from Jiantan MRT station, # 535 from Shipai MRT station and special Flower Festival Shuttle Bus # 126 from Taipei Main Station.

Taking the bus # 612 from Taipei 101 you will end up on the other side of Yang Ming Mountain, entering the area via Hsing Yi Rd. The trip will take one hour and cost you NT$ 30 with a very nice last 15 minute ride with beautiful blooming flowers along the way.

The last bus stop is the Taiwan Folk Arts Museum, Youya Rd # 32in Beitou. Open 10.00 am – 5.30 pm, Tuesday – Sunday, admission NT$ 200. This wooden building that houses the museum was originally the club for the Japanese officers. It maintains all the features that would have been present during the Japanese era such as the courtyards and paper screens. The exhibitions include a range of items from the Japanese era as well as Taiwanese aboriginal artifacts. The exhibits are all clearly labeled in Chinese and English.