Spring is here, and the barren trees of Beijing are beginning to sprout!
Our favorite time of the year is when the city is covered in bright blossoms, heralding the warmer days ahead.
Since these fabulous flowers only last for a few weeks, we decided it was time to help you plan your viewing schedule.
Here, we have listed some of Beijing’s most common blossoms, as well as the best places and times to see them.
However, these dates based on the blooming periods of previous years and, after an abnormally warm winter, might vary this spring – so keep your eyes out for any early signs of life!
Peach Blossom
Peach blossoms at the Summer Palace. Image via People.cn
In Chinese culture, peach blossom symbolizes love, prosperity, longevity, and the arrival of spring.
It is often seen as a representation of renewal and new beginnings.
When to see them: Mid-March to mid-April
Where to see them:
Summer Palace
National Botanical Garden (North Garden)
Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park
Fragrant Hills Park
Beihai Park
Liangma River
Pinggu District
Winter Jasmine
Image via Gardenerspath
Winter jasmine is a symbol of the coming spring, representing hope, renewal, and prosperity in China.
Its Chinese name, yingchun, literally translates to ‘welcoming spring.’
When to see them: February to mid-March
Where to see them:
Shichahai
Taoranting Park
Summer Palace
Ming City Wall Ruins Park
Magnolias
Image via CTGN
Different colored magnolias have varying significance, but overall, they are a symbol of nobility, dignity, purity, and strength.
They are also associated with femininity, beauty, and a love of nature, and were once considered so precious that only the emperor was allowed to have them.
When to see them: Mid-March to early April
Where to see them:
Tanzhe Temple
Summer Palace
Temple of Heaven Park
Dajue Temple
Apricot Blossom
Image via CTGN
Apricot blossom is a symbol of spring and good fortune in Chinese culture.
The Chinese word for apricot, xìng, sounds similar to the word for happiness.
When to see them: Late March to late April
Where to see them:
Fenghuangling Nature Park – home to more than 10,000 apricot trees
Temple of Heaven Park
Badaling section of the Great Wall
Cherry Blossom
Yuyuantan Park. Image via Tripadvisor
In Chinese culture, cherry blossom symbolizes feminine beauty, power, and mystique. It also represents new beginnings, love, and fertility.
It is used in Chinese medicine and is connected with creating and nurturing life.
When to see them: Mid-March to late April (best time is early April)
Where to see them:
Jingshan Park
Yuyuantan Park – home to the city’s largest collection of cherry blossom trees and hosts a cherry blossom festival from late March to late April
Lianhuachi Park
Pear Blossom
Zihua Temple. Image via Chinaservicesinfo
Pear blossom symbolizes purity, love, longevity, and the fragility of beauty. It is often used in weddings to represent a long and loving union.
When to see them: Early to mid-April
Where to see them:
Zhihua Temple
Temple of Heaven Park
Daxing Lihua Village
Chinese Violet Cress
Chaoyang Park. Image via Dreamstime
Also known as Orychophragmus violaceus, this purple flower is associated with elegance, unity, optimism, and spiritual awakening.
It is also cultivated as a vegetable, and its flowers and leaves are edible.
When to see them: Late March to early May
Where to see them:
Beijing Olympic Forest Park
Chaoyang Park
Temple of Heaven Park
Jiangfu Park
Tulips
Chaoyang Park. Image by Yinmai O'Connor/That's
Tulips are not as common as other traditional flowers in Chinese culture, but they have come to symbolize balance, aspirations, and second chances.
They also represent a bridge between China and the Western world.
When to see them: Late March to late April
Where to see them:
Chaoyang Park – home to over 30 varieties of tulips
Changyang Park – home to over 100,000 tulip bulbs
Beijing International Flower Port
Peonies
Jiuxian Town Guizhou Peony Garden. Image via AI
Often considered one of the most beautiful flowers in China, peonies are a symbol of wealth, honor, and prosperity.
The large, showy flowers were often grown by emperors and other people of high standing.
When to see them: Mid-April to late May
Where to see them:
Jiuxian Town Guizhou Peony Garden – home to over 100,000 plants and 100 varieties
Jingshan Park
Lotus Pond Park (Lianhuachi Park)
Nanhaizi Park
Xishan National Forest Park
For more springtime activities, follow our official WeChat account, ThatsBeijing!
[Cover by Yinmai O'Connor/That's]
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