View Beijing in Bloom

Zhongshan Park

This park is a popular destination each spring mostly because of the colourful tulips grown in the park. About 300,000 tulip plants of 50 varieties will blossom this spring.

Address: West side of Tian’anmen Square

 

Jingshan Park

For many locals, viewing peonies in Jingshan Park tops a weekend agenda every year. The peony, a candidate vying with the plum blossom for designation as China’s national flower, symbolizes prosperity and elegance, one reason why the Chinese people adore it.

Address: Opposite the North Gate of Forbidden City

 

Temple of Heaven

In addition to its solemn ancient architecture, which attracts thousands of visitors every day, the Temple of Heaven has a sea of clove and orchid plants. The park’s sea of flowers covers is the largest featuring these two flower species at about 45,000 square metres. Although the clove blossoms are small, their fragrance will linger in your memory.

Address: 10 yuan taxi’s distance south of the Chongwenmen Subway Station on Line 2. Start at the West or North gates.

 

Yuyuantan Park

Though cherry blossoms are idolized in Japan, they are also found widely in China. Beijing’s Yuyuantan Park, near China Millennium Monument, is such a place. Since the park is not very big, it may become crowded during the blossoming period. If possible, visit during weekdays when there are fewer visitors.

Address: North of the China Millennium Monument, about 1,000 metres’ north of the China Military Museum Subway Station on Line 1.

 

Fragrant Hills

To view apricot blossoms, the Fragrant Hills is unsurpassed. But there are more including the yulanhua, forsythia, clove and Chinese flowering crab-apple blossoms.

Address: At the foot of Xishan Hill,

Haidian District

 

Beijing Botanical Garden

The best time to view peach blossoms is near the end of March and at the beginning of April, and the best place is here. Every year, the botanical garden hosts a peach blossom festival; more than 60 varieties of peach blossoms are available for viewing by visitors. In fact, a great variety of flowers from 30 countries can be seen.

Address: Wofosi Lu, Haidian District

 

Heilong Valley

This is a beautiful place. Flower varieties include peach, apricot and pear blossoms, yulan and lilies. Striking scenes are found around the 18 picturesque natural pools scattered in the valley. Far away from the city, about 100 kilometres from central Beijing, it is best enjoyed as an overnight trip. The area is accessible by train or private car.

Address: Shicheng Town, Miyun County (north of Huairou District)

 

Dajue Temple

The Dajue Temple (Dajuesi), located about 30 kilometres from Central Beijing, is regarded as one of the best places for a weekend-escape. It has a 300-year-old yulan tree, which blossoms from the end of March to April. Enjoy the pure white flowers while sipping fragrant tea in an ancient temple for a relaxing trip.

Address: Bei’anhe, Haidian District

Miaofeng Mountain

View flowers and exercise too! Miaofeng Mountain in West Beijing, at an altitude of 1,291 metres, is the highest mountain among those within a distance of 60-kilometres from the city centre. Miaofeng is a great place to view wild flowers.

Address: Mentougou District (West Beijing)