Bamboo Lake Calla Lily Festival Introduction
The calla lily is native to South Africa, and because its spathes bloom in a manner resembling upside-down horseshoes, and the plant grows in water much like a lotus flower, it is commonly known as the "calla lily." Currently, the calla lily flower field in Zhuzihu covers an area of approximately 13 hectares, accounting for over 80% of Taiwan's total calla lily production. The blooming period for calla lilies is from January to May each year, with the peak bloom occurring in March and April. The white calla lilies in Zhuzihu are the main variety, and the elegant white part known as the "spathe" is not the actual flower; it envelopes many inconspicuous small flowers on a yellow inflorescence at its center, arranged in an orderly fashion. During the calla lily season, on holidays (including weekends), traffic control measures are implemented in the Zhuzihu area directing traffic to flow in a clockwise direction on Hemerocallis Avenue, stopping at the junction toward Zhongzheng Mountain; the section from Hutian Bridge to Donghu Road allows for bidirectional travel, while the Dinghu section is limited to one-way traffic with no U-turns, guiding vehicles to exit via the newly paved stone road toward Yangjin Highway. The traffic control in the Zhuzihu area is in effect on holidays from 9 AM to 6 PM, with adjustments based on actual traffic flow. Due to the limited road space in Zhuzihu, it is recommended that visitors utilize public transportation systems such as the metro or buses. For relevant public transportation information, please refer to the Taipei City Transportation Bureau website. Six Calla Lily Trails for Different Scenery Await You: If you want to stretch your legs, the Taipei City Public Works Department recommends six streamside trails in Zhuzihu. To enjoy the vast calla lily flower fields and the stunning scenery of Xiao You Keng, as well as white egrets and small terraced fields, you can head to the Dinghu area’s "Dinghu Circular Trail," which has a gentle and accessible path suitable for all ages, taking approximately 20 minutes to walk. If you are interested in early farming waterwheels and ecological ponds, the "Calla Lily Circular Trail" in the Xiaoh湖 area also takes about 20 minutes of walking time. For those looking to admire waterfalls and enjoy small hills and terraced landscapes, the "Literary Trail" in the Shuiwei area is quite suitable, taking only about 10 minutes to walk. If you want to climb higher to overlook the hillside calla lily terraces, the "Ludi Circular Trail" is recommended, with an approximate walking time of 15 minutes. As for the longest "Zhuzihu Circular Trail," it starts from Hutian Bridge and goes through Donghu, Dinghu, Shuiwei, and Xiaoh湖, with a walking time of about 50 minutes, allowing you to appreciate the charming scenery of Zhuzihu along the way. There is also the "Calla Love Trail," which takes about 15 minutes, where you can see calla lilies from March to May, admire love flowers from April to June, and enjoy hydrangeas from May to August, offering different surprises throughout the seasons. Visitors going up the mountain to enjoy the flowers are reminded that traffic control will be in effect in the Zhuzihu area during the calla lily season on holidays (including the Children’s Day holiday). It is advised to take public transportation up the mountain. For detailed activities and transportation information, please visit the Zhuzihu Calla Lily Season website. (Text by: Beitou District Farmers' Association)
