Blooming verbena, daylilies carpet Sun Moon Lake in purple and gold

Blooming verbena, daylilies carpet Sun Moon Lake in purple and gold

2026-05-05

The daylily fields in Sun Moon Lake’s Toushe area are in full bloom! After a successful trial adding verbena last year, the park expanded its planting this year. Both plants are now blossoming, carpeting 10 hectares of the park with seas of gold daylilies and purple verbena, beautifully accented by the white tung blossoms dotting the distant mountains.

Here at Sun Moon Lake, fields of orange daylilies stretch as far as the eye can see, looking particularly vibrant in the sunshine. The verbena flowers are also in bloom, adding a romantic purple to the mix. In some areas, the two blossoms intermingle, creating a tapestry of purple and gold that’s become a major draw for visitors.

Visitor
I came last year and found the pairing of verbena with daylilies to be beautiful. So this year I made sure to come back for a little visit.

The park started planting verbena in the Toushe daylily fields near the lake last year. Thanks to the fertile soil, the plants flourished, and the park decided to expand planting this year. Interspersed with the golden daylilies and framed by white tung blossoms on the distant mountains, the place is as beautiful as a painting.

Wang Ming-yu
Horticulturist
We expanded the verbena planting this year. The entire park is about 12 hectares. The colored daylily and lowland daylily cover about 5 or 6 hectares, while the verbena covers nearly 10.

Visitors to Sun Moon Lake would usually include a visit to the daylily fields along with a boat tour. Now, the addition of the purple verbena gives the flower fields greater depth and interest.

Wang Ming-yu
Horticulturist
Because of the hot weather this year, the daylilies reached full bloom two weeks early. Now is the optimal time to see them, probably lasting until the end of May or early June.

The blossoms won’t last forever. If you want to catch this majestic sea of purple and gold, make your way over to Sun Moon Lake before the season ends!

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#SunMoonLake #flowers #flowersea #Toushe #daylily #verbena #purpleandgold #travel #photospot #spring

日月潭"紫金花海"大爆發 10公頃金針花.馬鞭草滿開

2026-05-05

日月潭風景區頭社金針花田大爆花！園區去年加種馬鞭草，今年擴大種植，目前已經金針花與馬鞭草都已滿開，花海佔地大約10公頃，金橘色的金針花，搭配粉紫色馬鞭草，成了紫金花海，遠方山巒還有白色油桐花，令賞花更有看頭。

來到日月潭風景區，放眼望去一片金橘色，在陽光下顯得特別艷麗。除了金針花，馬鞭草也大爆花，一片浪漫紫色，讓人看了心曠神怡。有些土地上種了兩種花，成了紫金花海，吸引遊客來賞花拍照。

[[遊客]]
“我去年有來過，我發覺這邊的馬鞭草，搭配金針花很漂亮，所以我今年就特地，安排一個小旅行”

環潭地區的頭社金針花田，去年首度試種馬鞭草，因為當地土壤肥沃，馬鞭草生長情形良好，今年擴大種植範圍，與金針花交錯，遠方山巒還有白色油桐花點綴，美得彷彿一幅畫。

[[花農王明玉]]
我們今年有擴大種植，馬鞭草的區域，那整個園區有將近12公頃左右，那彩色金針花跟平地金針花，目前大概佔了5到6公頃，那馬鞭草大概有將近10公頃”

過去旅客到日月潭風景區，除了搭船遊湖之外，也會安排到環潭地區賞金針花，現在又多了馬鞭草，讓金針花海變得更有層次。

[[花農王明玉]]
“今年因為天氣炎熱的關係，所以我們的金針花，提早了兩個禮拜大爆開，那目前已經進入最佳的賞花期，預計最佳賞花期可以到，五月底六月初左右”

花期有限，想看紫金花海，可得把握時間。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Motorist protests parking fine after scooter moved onto dividing line

Imagine getting a parking ticket, even though you parked in a legal spot. This happened recently to a driver in New Taipei City. He parked his scooter within the lines, only for it to be moved by someone else so that a part of the stand was hanging over into the neighboring handicapped spot. The result: a NT$1,200 fine. The man was upset, saying he was parked there a while and didn’t know when it got moved. He wanted to protest the ticket, but couldn’t get the footage in time, calling the whole ordeal a headache.

This blue scooter looks to be parked properly within the lines. But if you look closely, part of its stand and front wheel are just slightly jutting over into the handicapped space next to it. The driver was hit with a NT$1,200 fine for the infraction.

Complainant
Got fined
I parked here around Feb. 25 and didn’t move it after that. Then in early April, I checked my phone and saw I got a ticket. No one intentionally parks in the handicapped spaces. I had parked within the lines. In Taiwan, it’s common for people to move others’ scooters.

Looking over the ticket, the driver couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The scooter that he had parked legally, well between the lines, was fined after someone else moved it into the handicapped space. By the time he wanted to appeal, footage from the nearby CCTV cameras had already been erased.

Complainant
Got fined
It’s such a headache. I’m dumbfounded. It’s unreasonable to issue a fine for the stand touching the blue line. Of course, I wanted to appeal, but the process is a huge hassle and eats up time. What I’m really afraid of is, since I got the fine on April 2 and I’ve been parked there the whole time, did I get more fines? I don’t know yet.

We used a tape measure to see just how far over the bike was. From the edge of the white line to the foot of the stand is about 5cm. Do those 5cm really warrant a NT$1,200 fine?

Wang Yu-chun
FTV reporter
You can see that the scooter’s stand is now firmly on the white line, but part of it is sticking out into the handicapped space. So would this count as occupying the space, too?

Chen Wei-tso
Traffic police officer
Vehicles should be parked fully within the space. If the body or any part of the vehicle exceeds past or rests on the line, we will consider it on a case-by-case basis before issuing a fine.

Figuring out how to park legally can sometimes be a guessing game. If you park at the very end of the row, it’s best to take a photo as insurance in case someone decides to play musical chairs with your bike.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#scooter #parking #parkingspace #trafficticket #NewTaipei #legaladvice #handicappedparking

2026-05-05

Tainan’s innovative scheme for reducing plastic waste at markets

2026-05-05

Couple hopes Internet will help find their ‘anniversary’ license plate

What are the odds of losing your license plate to a pigeon? Well, that’s exactly what happened to a couple living in New Taipei. Mr. Tien and his partner were driving southward last Saturday along National Freeway No. 1, when suddenly, a pigeon collided with their car. They did not think much about it, until they got pulled over by the police, as their license plate had gone missing. They were sure the impact had caused the license plate to fall off, and that it was indeed a pigeon, because it was found lodged on the radiator. Even though the highway maintenance office helped them look for the license plate, it was nowhere to be found. It’s true that they could get another one, but the couple still hopes to find the original license plate, because they got it with their car when they opened their car repair shop.

- You think traffic congestion is the worst traveling on the long weekend? Wrong. It’s when your license plate gets knocked off by a bird.

A couple was driving on National Freeway No. 1 southward. While passing through Houli, Taichung, they felt an object hit against the car. Later, the police asked them to pull over because they did not have a license plate. It was then when they realized the impact they felt came from a pigeon, and that was when the license plate got knocked off.

Voice of Mr. Tien
Repair shop owner
While we were changing lanes outward, there was a pigeon on the freeway. After we changed lanes, we noticed that it was at the front of the car. When it was about to take flight, it bumped against our car, and then the license plate disappeared.

The police checked the car body thoroughly after hearing Mr. Tien, the car owner’s explanation, and found that the coolant reservoir had burst from the impact. The pigeon, which supposedly caused the license plate to fall off, was stuck on the radiator. The police asked the highway maintenance office to look around the 155.7km mark of the freeway, but the license plate seemed to be gone for good. It might have fallen off the bridge.

Voice of Mr. Tien
Repair shop owner
I bought this car around when I opened my car repair shop. I bought it from a client. It came with a license plate number ending with “8885.” I hope that someone would find this license plate, because it’s bidded, after all. It wasn’t very expensive, but it represents a memory.

- This license plate with “8885” marked the start of our business. It’s not a piece of metal, but a story of entrepreneurship.

The missing license plate has great sentimental value for the couple, as it’s been with them for almost four years, closely marking the anniversary of their repair shop. They posted about the prized possession on social media, in hopes that they may still have it back.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cars #repairshop #roadtrip #travel #prizedpossession

2026-05-05

Paraguayan president to lead delegation to Taiwan May 7-10

2026-05-05

Hidden camera scandal rocks popular cosmetic clinic chain with 17 branches

2026-05-05

Driver caught with lit cig as leaking gas tanks roll off truck

A hair-raising incident involving gas tanks and a lit cigarette scared Zhubei locals out of their wits. A truck was transporting dozens of gas cylinders along a busy street, when all of a sudden, the tanks started falling from the back and rolling on the road releasing gas. The driver immediately got off the vehicle to close the nozzles, but he didn’t realize he had a lit cigarette in his mouth until he was almost touching a leaky can. Fortunately, he noticed the potential hazard in time and cast the cigarette butt aside before collecting the cargo.

Dozens of gas tanks roll off a truck onto a busy road, leaking white gas as they spread over the asphalt. The driver gets off the truck and runs after canisters with a lit cigarette in his mouth. This could be disaster. Fortunately, he realized the hazard and threw the butt to one side before retrieving the gas cans. He appeared calm and unbothered, but witnesses were scared out of their wits.

Voice of passerby
Scared by scene
It was so dangerous. He wasn’t afraid of causing an explosion? He should at least have some hazard awareness, since he’s handling gas.

Voice of passerby
Scared by scene
You’re not supposed to smoke while transporting gas like that. But he was. It was a terrifying sight.

The terrifying scene took place in Zhubei in Hsinchu County. Fortunately, there were no open flames nearby, and the tanks themselves did not create sparks when they came crashing on the road.

Yao Chi-hung
Police officer
When police arrived at the scene, we discovered that the latch on the rear cargo bed had broken, which is what caused the incident. We implemented traffic controls and helped clear the road. The driver has been reported following the relevant rules.

Chang Kuo-chang
Gas expert
You would need three elements for an explosion to occur: a confined space, a high concentration of gas and a source of ignition. In this case, the conditions were not met.

Having gas cylinders rolling around on the road is already dangerous enough, but thankfully, the situation didn’t end in a catastrophic explosion.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#gas #cigarette #smoking #reckless #traffic

2026-05-05

President Lai returns from state visit accompanied by Eswatini Deputy PM

President Lai Ching-te and his team returned from Eswatini on Tuesday morning, traveling with Eswatini’s chartered aircraft. Lai’s state visit was originally scheduled for April 22, but was reported sabotaged by China after it pressured three African island nations to rescind overflight permits. On May 2, the president still made the visit, traveling with Eswatini deputy prime minister back to her country. Lai’s arrival came as a surprise, but he asserted that Taiwan and its people have the right to engage with the world, as a part of the global community, and that Taiwan will not be deterred by pressure.

In less than a week, Eswatini’s chartered aircraft touched down again at Taoyuan International Airport. It’s safely escorted President Lai Ching-te and his team back to Taiwan.

Traveling with Eswatini allowed Taiwan to outsmart Beijing’s diplomatic blockade. China had reportedly pressured three African island nations to abruptly rescind Taiwan’s overflight permits just one day before the original scheduled date of departure. Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, standing beside the president, had supported this trip all the way.

Lai Ching-te
President
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has personally traveled with us across vast distances to ensure my and the delegation’s smooth journey. I would also like to express our sincerest appreciation to her once again. Madam Deputy Prime Minister, you must be the best leading actress in “Driving Miss Daisy” if it were set in the skies.

Although not officially confirmed, it’s believed that Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung had facilitated the arrangements for Lai’s visit while in Eswatini on April 25 and 26. Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Dladla’s arrival in Taiwan to escort President Lai shortly followed on April 30. The president said that rather than characterizing the subsequent visit as a breakthrough, it should be understood that Taiwan and its people naturally, have every right to engage with the world.

Lai Ching-te
President
Some media have characterized this state visit as a “breakthrough” amid external interference. In truth, however, visits between heads of state are very natural. The people of Taiwan have every right to engage with the world. We will not back down in the face of pressure.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
Our citizens who truly wish for the Republic of China, Taiwan a place in the world and worldwide visibility will harbor greater hope and expectations. As for those who are furious and disdainful, they’re the saboteurs that had interfered with the president’s state visit at the time.

Although Beijing’s interference made the president miss out on celebratory events for Swazi King Mswati III, including his 58th birthday, in the end, Taiwan still made a successful visit against the odds.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #eswatini #賴清德 #卓榮泰 #africa

2026-05-05

Dog owners concerned about rat poison in hantavirus panic

2026-05-05

Traditional rice noodle shop in Hsinchu gets Michelin nod

After being in business for over 40 years, a small restaurantselling traditional rice noodles in Hsinchu County’s Qionglin Township has now been recognized by the Michelin Guide. The owner said he not only selects the best quality rice noodles, but also takes special care in preparing the broth.

Vibrant green vegetables perfectly contrast with the pristine white of these vermicelli rice noodles. The fried shallots on top add a refreshing crunch. Whether served dry or in a soup, it’s a perfect combination.

Large slivers of ginger, chili, garlic, and basil go in the wok first, followed by fresh intestines and stir-fried together to create this classic Hakka dish.

Customer
The flavor is always spot-on. So every time I want to eat these rice noodles, I come here.

Customer
You can really taste the difference with the authentic rice noodles.

This 40-year-old restaurant in Hsinchu’s Qionglin Township was not only included in the second edition of the 500 Bowls Award, but is also the township’s first establishment to make the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list. The township mayor—himself a regular customer—came in person to offer his congratulations.

Huang Cheng-piao
Qiongling Township Mayor
Over 1 million people visit Feifeng Mountain every year. So gradually, it will drive economic development in the surrounding area, along with other Hakka restaurants.

Liu Chang-lang
Restaurant owner
I wake up every day at 4:30, since the broth needs to simmer for two hours.

The secret to making delicious rice noodles is in the richness of the broth, which has carrots, fresh pork, bones, and many kinds of vegetables. The owner said he has to wake up before sunrise every day to get the broth on to simmer. He even uses freshly slaughtered pork to ensure the quality. He only makes about 100 bowls a day, and closes after selling out.

Liu Chang-lang
Restaurant owner
I never imagined that what used to be considered a lowly local street food could actually make it onto the Michelin Guide.

This restaurant blends Minnan and Hakka culinary traditions to offer an authentic flavor sure to satisfy every gourmand.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Hakka #ricenoodles #Michelin #BibGourmand #restaurant #Hsinchu #Qionglin #streetfood #noodles

2026-05-05