In early spring, the peach blossoms in the peach orchard along Taizhou's Fengcheng River in Jiangsu are in full, vibrant bloom. On March 30, Spring Festival Gala star “Xiaocaqi” will also transform into the “Peach Blossom Fairy” and appear at the opening ceremony of the Taizhou Fengcheng River Peach Blossom Festival!If you’re a fan of “Xiaocaqi,” you definitely won’t want to miss it!
On March 30, not only will “Xiaocaqi” appear, but a giant peach blossom cake with a diameter of 10 meters and an area of 100 square meters will also be unveiled at the opening ceremony of the Peach Blossom Festival, where it will apply on-site for a record with the Guinness World Records (China). Visitors will be able to taste the sweet, soft, and fluffy flavor of this “world’s largest peach blossom cake.”
Additionally, during the Peach Blossom Festival, couples and spouses who purchase tickets to visit Fengcheng River will have the chance to win a grand prize trip to Thailand—six winners will be drawn each week, so don’t miss out!
The ancient city of Taizhou boasts numerous scenic wonders
Taizhou is a famous city with a history of over 2,100 years, home to many cultural landscapes and historic sites. The winding, ancient Fengcheng River connects the beautiful scenery on both banks into one picturesque stretch. Ascend Wanghai Tower for a panoramic view of Taizhou. Step into the China Traditional Architectural Feng Shui Culture Museum to experience firsthand the mysteries of “feng shui” in home design. There’s also the Peach Blossom Garden, the birthplace of the legendary drama “The Peach Blossom Fan,” the Mei Garden, which offers a comprehensive showcase of the artistic life of Mei Lanfang, the exquisitely designed Qiao Garden, as well as the well-preserved Qing Dynasty imperial examination site—the Xuezheng Shiyuan... What’s even more exciting is that during the Peach Blossom Festival, Spring Festival Gala star “Xiaocaqi” will also visit this beautiful ancient city.
Admire peach blossoms stretching for miles like rosy clouds
The Peach Blossom Garden by the Fengcheng River in Taizhou preserves the classic charm of Ming and Qing dynasty gardens. Countless pavilions, terraces, and waterside structures, as well as small islands on the lake, are covered with tens of thousands of peach trees, featuring a total of over 100 varieties. On the opening day of the Peach Blossom Festival, visitors will not only get to see Spring Festival Gala star “Xiaocaqi” in the Peach Blossom Garden but also enjoy the fun of viewing the blossoms from “land, water, and air” perspectives. Walk onto the peach blossom island in the lake, beside the murmuring streams of Peach Blossom Gully, where various peach blossoms bloom by the water—the interplay between flowers and springs enhances their charm. Stroll through the peach blossom woods, where each blossom takes on unique forms, with rare varieties shaped like chrysanthemums and bells being especially extraordinary. Climb the seven-story Qingfeng Pavilion, and you’ll be greeted by a sea of peach blossoms—white as mist, pink as a light fog, and red as morning glow. The garden’s pavilions, rockeries, bridges, and flowing water are tucked among the blossoms, as if enveloped in rosy clouds, creating a scene like a fairyland.
Eat peach blossom cakes and attract “peach blossom luck”
Besides the chance to see “Xiaocaqi” in person, during the Peach Blossom Festival, visitors to Chen’an in the Peach Blossom Garden can also enjoy delicious peach blossom cakes and peach blossom puddings made from real peach blossoms, while listening to traditional Huaiyang melodies for a relaxing experience. Visitors may also find their own “peach blossom luck” in the peach grove—the “The Peach Blossom Fan” Hanfu Show features actors in ancient costumes reenacting the touching love story of Li Xiangjun and Hou Fangyu from The Peach Blossom Fan right among the peach blossoms, giving visitors the opportunity for close photos with the lead characters. Couples or spouses can join the romantic “Search for Peach Blossom Faces” scavenger hunt—just find 8 out of 10 designated peach blossom varieties and take a group photo; with the photo, you can receive a special gift. Additionally, limited-edition “Peach Blossom Fans” are available in the garden for visitors to choose and collect.
Night cruise on Fengcheng River, the “Water Paradise”
Known as the “Water Paradise,” Fengcheng River is perfect for night cruises. On the evening of March 30, the opening night of the Peach Blossom Festival, Spring Festival Gala star “Xiaocaqi” will also appear on a boat in Fengcheng River. If you go for a night cruise that evening, you might just have a chance to “bump into” “Xiaocaqi” on the water!Fengcheng River is one of China’s most beautiful ancient city rivers with a history of a thousand years. During the day, its waters shimmer gently, and at night, the illuminated reflections create a magical atmosphere, making it especially ideal for a slow cruise on a painted pleasure boat. The lakeside Wanghai Tower is lit up to look like a “jewel tower,” dazzling and bright. On Bai Feng Bridge, 999 vividly crafted phoenixes are reflected in the shimmering water, appearing as though they are playing in the water—an astonishing sight. Meanwhile, the Peach Blossom Garden’s thousand peach trees are decorated with lights, looking like delicately carved art, while Kunqu Opera “The Peach Blossom Fan” is performed on the lakeside stone boat. Sitting on a boat, sipping tea, listening to opera, and admiring the blossoms is the height of relaxation.
Stroll through Taizhou Old Street and sample local snacks
The Fengcheng River night cruise also includes a visit to Taizhou Old Street by the river. With old memorial archways, bluestone roads, strings of bright red lanterns hanging over the classic arcade walkways, the area is lined with shops offering both unique folk crafts and incredibly delicious Taizhou snacks. Don’t miss out on specialties like scalded bean curd strips, fish soup noodles, “big stove baked buns,” and plum blossom cakes—all with distinctive flavors.