Fresh hues cover Jiaobanshan Park as plum blossoms reach 50% bloom

Taoyuan, Jan. 11 (CNA) Around half of the 296 plum trees in late President Chiang Kai-shek's (蔣中正) former vacation retreat in Taoyuan's Fuxing District are already in bloom, as the historic site gears up for the start of the 2026 Jiaobanshan Plum Blossom Festival on Jan. 17.

The Taoyuan Scenic Area Service Agency said Sunday that peak flowering in Jiaobanshan Park is expected in mid-January, with weekly updates on bloom conditions available on its Facebook page.

Special festival events will be held in the park on the weekends of Jan. 17-18 and Jan. 24-25, according to Chen Jing-fang (陳靜芳), director of the Taoyuan Department of Tourism.

These include an "international tea gathering under the plum trees" featuring local, British, Japanese and European teas, a 22-booth market offering local produce and handicrafts, as well as live calligraphy sessions.

In addition, the city government has partnered with 34 businesses and attractions in the Jiaobanshan, Luofu and Xiaowulai areas to offer festival-only discounts from Jan. 17 to 25, Chen said.

Attendees at this year's festival will also have the chance to win prizes, including smartphones, by taking part in interactive promotions, Chen added.