It is the peak season for cherry blossoms throughout the island. Although the recent low temperatures and the continuous rain have slightly pushed back the flowering period, in addition to damaging these plants, experts say people can expect the flowers to bloom starting next week.

Taking a camera, and focusing it carefully on these swaying cherry blossoms is an activity that has attracted lots of people to the Sanchih area.

Hearing that the cherry blossoms have arrived excited many, but the recent cold wave with low temperatures and rain in the past few days, have knocked out many of these pink cherry blossoms.

Some popular cherry blossom viewing locations such as Sanchih's Chingshan Road have seen sparse cherry blossoms with few tourists, as many may be waiting for next week to see the next wave of flowers blooming.

New Taipei City's Tien Yuan Temple is another place to view the cherry blossoms which happen later and may be on display until March.

Visitors can also see these rare mountain cherries and take photos with children being quite curious and touching these flowers.

Sanchih since 1996, has had 15,000 cherry trees, with Dahu Road and Chingshan Road being lined with cherries for a total length of 70 km.

From the 13th of this month, Sanchih and Tamshui are hosting cherry blossom festivals starting from the end of February and continuing through March.

Pink mountain cherries and white cherry blossoms will be on display.

However, with cold temperatures in effect, many should first contact local district offices to inquire about information regarding cherry blossoms to avoid a wasted trip.