The 2018 Yangmingshan Flower Festival has opened with a traditional dragon and lion dance.

The theme of this year’s festival is “Cherry Lion.”

Taipei’s Department of Information and Tourism says visitors will be able to see various types of cherry blossoms, including Taiwan Cherry and classic cherry trees.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-zhe braved the cold and rainy weather to attend the opening ceremony.

And speaking at the event Ko said the Yangmingshan floral festival saw 1.3-million visitors last year and he hopes the good numbers will continue this year.

Authorities remind tourists of traffic restrictions that are put in place on the boulevard leading up to Yangmingshan National Park throughout the festival, which lasts until March 25.

Photo: xinmedia