Portuguese Mariners’ Naming Legacy Endures: Taiwan, Once Dubbed “Ilha Formosa,” Offers Timeless Beauty
The island now known as Taiwan continues to uphold its reputation as a breathtaking destination, a legacy dating back to the Portuguese sailors who first spotted its shores and bestowed upon it the name “Ilha Formosa,” or Beautiful Island in Portuguese.
Even today, as visitors flock to this nation nestled just north of the Philippines, its allure remains undiminished, particularly during the spring season when flowers burst into vibrant displays of color.
In Tainan, the island’s ancient capital, lies a renowned thoroughfare renowned for its fiery kapok trees. During peak bloom, these trees adorn the road with a canopy of bright red-orange blossoms, creating a picturesque scene beloved by locals and tourists alike. Visitors often make their way to the Baihe district of Tainan to capture the beauty of these trees, serving as a stunning backdrop for group photos or selfies, evoking scenes reminiscent of romantic dramas like the Korean series “Endless Love.”
Within Tainan, tourist buses shuttle visitors to the Arwin Therapy Garden, a haven adorned with roses of every hue imaginable. Delicate whites, sunny yellows, soft pinks, and rich purples adorn the meticulously landscaped gardens, offering visitors three distinct experiences. The French-style Rose Garden features meticulously arranged roses amidst elegant stonework, while the Chakra Rose Garden beckons those seeking moments of meditation and aromatherapy. For a more traditional setting, the Classical Rose Garden offers roses and benches where visitors can relax, all while enjoying the passing scenery, perhaps even catching a glimpse of a train in the distance.
As March ushers in the spring season in Taiwan, it marks the optimal time to witness these floral wonders in full bloom, a spectacle that continues to captivate visitors year after year.