A budding attraction

Cherry blossoms

Many cherish the blossoms for their short yet splendid flowering phase, which takes place in late March and April.

Yuyuantan Park is the most popular place locals go to see the cherry blossoms. Its cherry garden covers 25 hectares, with more than 2,000 cherry trees. It is one of the largest and best-known cherry gardens in China. In 1972, diplomatic relations between China and Japan were normalized, and about 1,000 Prunus sargentii were brought from Japan as gifts. Yuyuantan received 180, which all took root and thrived. The park offers a distinctive scene with its sunken terrain and slopes.

Beijing Botanical Garden doesn't have as many cherry blossoms as Yuyuantan, but it hosts rich varieties of spring flora that allow the cherry blossoms stand out. Cherry blossoms are dotted among the green willow branches and pink plum blossoms, and the distant green hills are reflected in the lake.

Most Chinese travelers cite Wuhan University as a superb spot for the cherry-blossom season, but few have heard of Gengdan Institute at Beijing University of Technology in Shunyi district, which offers even more varieties of cherry blossoms than Wuhan University or Yuyuantan.

The institute has about 500 cherry trees across the campus.