Flowers are bursting into bloom across China as spring settles in, drawing throngs of people to parks and the countryside to embrace the season's refreshing beauty.
Nanjing, an eastern city with a deep historical affection for plum trees, has been planting them for over 1,500 years. The Fujiabian Plum Mountain, one of the city's most renowned plum viewing spots, is currently brimming with vitality. A dazzling array of pink and white flowers shrouds the sprawling plum forest, creating a spectacular sea of flowers that fascinates visitors from near and far.
Beyond its scenic appeal, the forest holds significant economic value. About 70 percent of the plum trees here bear fruits that can be processed into over 20 different products, including pickled plums, dried plums, and plum sauces. The annual output of these products exceeds 50 million yuan, or over 6.8 million U.S. dollars.
Villages around the city have introduced nighttime plum blossom viewing experiences, along with dazzling fireworks and bustling local markets, leading to a 30 percent increase in night-time visitors. Related businesses, including homestays and strawberry-picking farms, have also benefited from the influx of tourists.
In northwest China's Shaanxi province, nestled deep within the Qinling Mountains, the plum trees in Ningshan County are also entering their flowering stage. In Ziwu Plum Garden, nearly 100 hectares of plum orchards are home to more than 140 different varieties, with over 10,000 trees in full bloom.
The blossoms have been unfolding since mid-February, with the season expected to last through mid-March. In recent days, daily visitor numbers have reached around 10,000.
For locals like Ling Yongping, a resident of Anping Village, the spring bloom has not only brought beauty but also been a boon to their livelihoods.
"Anping used to be a remote place with few people around, but since the plum garden was developed, more and more people are coming here. Now the plum blossoms are in full bloom, drawing even more visitors here. I run a small business selling snacks, and I can make several hundred yuan a day," said Ling.
The local government has vigorously developed its "flower economy," turning Ziwu Plum Garden into a vibrant rural tourism destination that combines flower viewing, leisure, and other vacation experiences.
In Yichun City, east China's Jiangxi province, the Mingyue Mountain has turned into a pink sea of cherry blossoms with over 30,000 trees in full bloom. The early-blooming varieties, such as Fuji and Weeping Cherry, are particularly stunning, with clusters of blossoms swaying gracefully in the breeze. As the petals gently fall, visitors are fascinated by the beauty of the breathtaking view.
"I think they're blooming especially well, in a myriad of colors such as pink and red. Just looking at them makes me feel so comfortable. The weather is also great, perfect for a day out," said tourist Ouyang Yanlan.
Captivating spring blossoms spark tourism spike across China
