By Xinyi Li, EDITOR

As the Chinese poem says, "Who tailored the dainty leaves? The answer is the snipping wind of early spring". Spring is here again, bringing in the blooming period of Chongqing’s seas of flowers. Here is the guide to appreciating flowers in main urban areas. Meanwhile, it provides great destinations for citizens to enjoy the blossoms and take photos in spring.

With the coming of spring, Chongqing greets the blooming period of the seas of flowers

Nanshan Botanical Garden

Nanshan Botanical Garden, with convenient transportation, has always been one of the most popular places to enjoy various flowers. In the meantime, different sceneries are available all year round. In addition to cherry blossoms, camellia, the city flower of Chongqing, is in full bloom, looking extremely gorgeous. Yulan (a Chinese magnolia), Chinese flowering apple, peach blossoms and roses, such flowers also welcome their best time for appreciation.

Cherry blossoms at Nanshan Botanical Garden

During the Chinese New Year, the garden has introduced more than 60 varieties from abroad. Furthermore, a total of over 200,000 tulips are on display.

Tulips at Nanshan Botanical Garden

Address: No.101, Botanical Garden Road, Nan’an District

Variety: Prunus subhirtella, red plums, camellia, azalea, and Yulan

Transportation: Get off at Nanping Station of CRT Line 3, and then transfer Bus No. 384 to Nanshan Station

Huangjueping Campus of Sichuan Fine Art Institute

Huangjueping Campus of Sichuan Fine Art Institute (SCFAI) is the earliest place in Chongqing to usher in the cherry blossoms. In spite of the small number, these blossoms are refreshing enough. Any photo you take will be full of flowers. Besides, the flying cherry blossoms are floating down from the sky. Additionally, the red plums are also in full bloom.

Flowers at Sichuan Fine Art Institute (SCFAI)

Address: No. 108, Huangjueping Street, Jiulongpo District

Variety: Prunus subhirtella and red plums

Transportation: Get off near Huangjueping Campus of SCFAI by Bus No. 223, 233, 277 or 823

Zhaomushan Forest Park

Zhaomushan Forest Park, with the hiking trail, is now covered with attractive red plums. Both strolling in the sea of flowers for seeking fragrance and riding a bicycle for hidden fragrance are ideal choices.

Flowers at Zhaomushan Forest Park

As the weather warms up, the cherry blossoms are gradually welcoming their blooming period. The park has large areas of lawn, offering visitors a place for admiring the beautiful flowers and having a picnic.

Address: No. 88, West Section of Jinkai Avenue, Yubei District

Variety: Prunus subhirtella and red plums

Transportation: Get off at Renhe Station of CRT Line 5, and then walk up the hill.

Chongqing Garden Expo Park

The first batch of flowers is in blossom in the Expo Garden. Azalea, red plums and camellia, such flowers contend in beauty and fascination. An occasional meeting with the flowers blooming must be a great surprise for those wandering in the wide park. Moreover, the bright sunshine on the weekend will give keen enjoyment.

Garden Expo Park

Address: No. 1, Longjing Road, Yubei District

Variety: Prunus subhirtella and red plums

Transportation: Get off near the Expo Garden of CRT Line 3 or Line 5

Hong’ensi Forest Park

The red plums in Hong’ensi Forest Park have already begun to blossom. Scattering on both sides of the road, these flowers cover every corner of the park. Therefore, why not take a walk while enjoying the blossoms on the weekend?

Moreover, there are other flowers and seedlings in the park, enabling visitors to enjoy diversified varieties with a refreshing fragrance.

Red plums at Hong’ensi Forest Park

Address: Near No. 305, Hongshi Road, Jiangbei District

Variety: Plum blossoms, Yulan magnolia, and Chinese flowering apple

Transportation: Get off at Dashiba Station of CRT Line 5

Caiyun Lake National Wetland Park

Located in Panlong Avenue, Jiulongpo District, Caiyun Lake National Wetland Park has witnessed the blooming red plums. The dainty petals in red and pink are hanging on the trees. Surrounded by water on three sides, the steep park covers an area of 83.1 hectares. And therefore, it also serves as the “Taohuayuan (Peach Blossom Spring)” in main urban areas. There are 10 sceneries such as the spruce forest in a misty rain, the peninsula covered with peach blossoms. Taking the boat or the cable car to appreciate the beautiful park can be an option as well. The park also offers leisure activities.

Caiyun Lake National Wetland Park

Address: Panlong Avenue, Jiulongpo District (use Baidu Maps for “Caiyun Lake National Wetland Park”)

Price: Free

Transportation: Get off at Caiyun Lake Station by Bus No. 200; get off at the First Panlong Station by Bus No. 268, turn right and then walk for about five minutes

Florescence: The red plum is a short-lived flower, with a flowering period of about half a month. For those who want to enjoy the red plums, please come here as early as possible.

Source: Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development