Spring blossoms in Hangzhou & Shaoxing (China) 春暖花开游江南

The last time I went to a "sakura matsuri" was in 1982, at Ueno Park in downtown Tokyo. But you don't have to be in Japan to be mesmerised by the magic of cherry blossom (sakura). Cherry blossom festival is becoming very popular in many parks and gardens in various parts of China.

Late last March, I visited Shaoxing and Hangzhou to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossom and other flowers in bloom. It was a captivating experience I would love to repeat. I will visit Hangzhou again in the coming springs.

Shaoxing (绍兴) is a beautiful city with a vast network of canals. In addition to the numerous parks and gardens in the city and along the larger canals, there are thousands of cherry trees in Wanweishan Park (宛委山) in the outskirts. Crab apples, peaches and cherry trees are extremely popular in Shaoxing. They were in full bloom during my visit there.

In Hangzhou, cherry blossoms and tulips are the main attraction in Taiziwan Park (太子湾), which is located just across the road from the south-western corner of West Lake (西湖). There were also daffodils.

West Lake is the most famous landmark of Hangzhou. It attracts by far the largest crowd of visitors, majority of whom are tourists from other parts of China. April is the best month to visit the West Lake, when crabapples and peach blossoms are in full blooms.

For your info: Cherry blossoms festival was held in March 21 - April 12 (3 weeks) this year.