{"id":6983,"date":"2025-03-21T16:21:55","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T08:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=6983"},"modified":"2025-09-22T15:10:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T07:10:09","slug":"9-must-see-spring-flowers-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/9-must-see-spring-flowers-in-china\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Must-See Spring Flowers in China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Cherry blossoms in Mudanjiang, China
Photo: Kenshin Wang<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Spring is back in China, and that means blooms and flowers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s the ever-popular cherry blossoms, similarly-captivating plum or peach blossoms or even vibrant shades of canola, tulip and hydrangea flowers, China has plenty of captivating blooms.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So without further ado, here\u2019s our guide to the 9 spring blooms of China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cherry Blossoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Jiming Temple, Nanjing
Photo: Go Nanjing China<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u6a31\u82b1 (yinghua)<\/strong>
When: Late February \u2013 Early April<\/strong>
Where: Nanjing (Jiming Temple), Wuhan (East Lake Cherry Blossom Garden)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A spring classic in East Asia, China\u2019s cherry blossoms can be found pretty much anywhere – from the ancient capital of Nanjing to even Central China in Wuhan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although not as culturally and historically significant in Chinese culture as the plum blossom, its brilliant, branching clusters of notched-shaped petals have drawn many local and overseas travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peach Blossoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival, Tibet
Photo: CGTN<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u6843\u82b1 (taohua)<\/strong>
When: Mid March \u2013 Mid April<\/strong>
Where: Nyingchi, Lhasa, Beijing (Pinggu)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The peach blossom is a close cousin to the plum and cherry blossoms, with its pairs of blooms and relatively short offshoots being its only distinctive features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The peach blossom is frequently invoked in the term Taohuayuan (\u6843\u82b1\u6e90) or \u201cPeach Blossom Spring\u201d \u2013 the Chinese equivalent of Shangri-La called.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its twin blooms can be found mainly in the far western regions of China in Tibet or in northern climates like Beijing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plum Blossoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Plum blossoms in Hangzhou, China
Photo: Di Weng<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u6885\u82b1 (meihua)<\/strong>
When: Mid February \u2013 Mid March<\/strong>
Where: Shanghai (Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden), Shenzhen (Maluan Mountain Country Park)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to its hardiness in winter and longevity, the plum blossom has been cultivated and celebrated in China for centuries, being frequently used as a motif in art and even as an ingredient in cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its vivid red or white petals and proud, individual blossoms can be found in the coastal regions of China, particularly close to its origins around the Yangtze River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peony<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Peonies in Jingshan Park.
Photo: CGTN<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u7261\u4e39 (mudan)<\/strong>
When: April \u2013 May<\/strong>
Where: Luoyang (Wangcheng Park), Heze City (Caozhou Peony Garden), Chongqing (Dianjiang)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another one of China\u2019s celebrated blooms, the peony\u2019s alluring petal folds and dazzling core of golden outstretched stamens have mesmerized the Chinese people so much, it has been colloquially called the King of Flowers and was even the national Chinese flower during the Qing Dynasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canola Flowers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Tiers of canola flowers in Luoping County.
Photo: Visit Yunnan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u6cb9\u83dc\u82b1 (youcaihua)<\/strong>
When: Early March – Early April<\/strong>
Where: Jiangxi (Wuyuan), Yunnan (Luoping), Qinghai (Menyuan Hui)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also called the rapeseed flower, this bright yellow flower that blossoms outwards from a central stalk is frequently farmed for seed oil and various industrial uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This has led to massive tracts of this brilliant flower enveloping various landscapes in China, from the karst mound-filled landscapes of Yunnan to the hilly terraces of Wuyuan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orchids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Guangzhou Orchid Garden
Photo: ecuadorianin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u5170\u82b1 (lanhua)<\/strong>
When: February \u2013 March<\/strong>
Where: Guangzhou (Canton Orchid Garden), Shanghai (Chenshan Botanical Garden)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides being known as one of the Four Gentlemen \u2013 a series of flowers that feature prominently in Chinese ink paintings \u2013 the orchid is also a symbol of feminine grace, with the \u201corchid-shaped finger\u201d being a signature gesture found in Beijing opera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bulbous, winged petals of orchids are usually only found in the subtropical regions of China near the south and southeastern regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tulips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Taiziwan Park, Hangzhou
Photo: CGTN<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u90c1\u91d1\u9999 (yujinxiang)<\/strong>
When: Early March \u2013 Late April<\/strong>
Where: Nanjing (Taiziwan Park), Yancheng (Holland Flower Park)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tulip is commonly associated with the Netherlands, but most do not know that it actually hails from Central Asia!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although once found in northwest China before going extinct, the graceful and colourful tulip has been reintroduced to various city parks and gardens throughout China, transporting visitors to the Dutch\u2019s Keukenhof gardens with just a brief stroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydrangeas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Hydrangeas in Xuhui, Shanghai
Photo: Declan Sun<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u516b\u4ed9\u82b1  \/ \u7ee3\u7403\u82b1 (baxianhua \/ xiuqiuhua)<\/strong>
When: May \u2013 June<\/strong>
Where: Shanghai (Chenshan Botanical Garden), Nanjing (Qingliangshan Park)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Literally called the Eight Immortals\u2019 Flower in Chinese (\u516b\u4ed9\u82b1\u00a0 baxianhua), the hydrangea has a fascinating legend behind its name. As an apology for having kidnapped one of the Eight Immortals of Chinese mythology, the Dragon King gifted them eight beautiful hydrangeas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These giant bouquets of colour start peeking out from walls of thick leaves around the last weeks of spring, heralding the coming heat of summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azaleas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Azaleas in Mount Shifu, Anhui Province
Photo: CGTN<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chinese Name: \u6620\u5c71\u7ea2 (yingshanhong)<\/strong>
When: April \u2013 May<\/strong>
Where: Guizhou (Bijie), Yunnan (Luquan)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of China\u2019s most famous wildflowers, the azalea\u2019s bright hues and rugged hilly habitats have earned it a place in Chinese poetry, songs and even movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Countless bushes filled with vibrant azalea blooms of every imaginable hue can be found blessing the hills of the southwestern provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stories from the Museum Floor – Four Noble Plants in Chinese Culture Part 2: Orchid
https:\/\/storiesfromthemuseumfloor.wordpress.com\/2020\/08\/28\/four-noble-plants-in-chinese-culture-part-2-orchid\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flower Power: Understanding China\u2019s National Flower Debate
https:\/\/www.sixthtone.com\/news\/1004596<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

en.people.cn – China’s Qinghai province, hometown of tulips (5)
http:\/\/en.people.cn\/n3\/2018\/0504\/c90000-9456458-5.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chinese Myth behind Hydrangea (The Eight Immortals Flowers)
https:\/\/www.newhanfu.com\/2322.html<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Spring is back in China, and that means blooms and flowers! Whether it\u2019s the ever-popular cherry blossoms, similarly-captivating plum or…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":7012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[251,26],"tags":[294,49,293,80,83],"class_list":["post-6983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","category-trends","tag-blossom","tag-china","tag-flower","tag-flowers","tag-spring"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-scaled.jpg",2560,1704,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-768x511.jpg",768,511,true],"large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1024x681.jpg",1024,681,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1536x1022.jpg",1536,1022,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-2048x1363.jpg",2048,1363,true],"penci-recipe-1200x1200":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1200x1200.jpg",1200,1200,true],"penci-recipe-1200x900":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1200x900.jpg",1200,900,true],"penci-recipe-1200x675":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1200x675.jpg",1200,675,true],"penci-single-full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1920x1278.jpg",1920,1278,true],"penci-slider-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1920x800.jpg",1920,800,true],"penci-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1170x779.jpg",1170,779,true],"penci-slider-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-1170x663.jpg",1170,663,true],"penci-magazine-slider":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-780x516.jpg",780,516,true],"penci-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-masonry-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-585x389.jpg",585,389,true],"penci-thumb-square":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-585x585.jpg",585,585,true],"penci-thumb-vertical":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-480x650.jpg",480,650,true],"penci-thumb-small":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kenshin-wang-1o8Daf5TwDk-unsplash-263x175.jpg",263,175,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Wei Yip","author_link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/author\/weiyip\/"},"uagb_comment_info":7,"uagb_excerpt":"Spring is back in China, and that means blooms and flowers! 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