Washington D.C. enters cherry blossom season: White and pink Yoshino cherries bloom along the pond

▲ From late March to early April, the cherry blossoms blooming along the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C., together with the towering monuments behind them, create a stunning scene. (Photo / fromAmerican English at State Facebook page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Cherry blossom viewing is not exclusive to Asia. Every spring, the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. gradually come into full bloom, set against the towering Washington Monument. The beautiful scenery attracts large crowds of blossom enthusiasts every year around late March to early April.

The capital had just been hit by a snowstorm a few days ago, which also affected the timing of this year’s (2014) cherry blossom bloom. According to predictions by the U.S. National Park Service,the cherry blossoms in D.C. will reach peak bloom from April 8 to 12— slightly later than usual, but the blooming period remains unaffected.

The nearly 7,000 cherry trees in Washington D.C. have an interesting origin: In 1912, Tokyo gifted 3,000 trees, and in 1965, Japan donated another 3,800, surrounding the Tidal Basin with white and pink blossoms. Most of the trees in this cherry grove are Yoshino cherries, though they differ somewhat from the varieties commonly seen in Taiwan. When in full bloom, the white flowers are tinged with soft pink, and depending on the angle and sunlight, their hues can appear slightly different.

In addition to forecasting peak bloom, the 2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. has already begun and will run until April 13. Over the course of more than three weeks, there will be grand parades, live performances, and other events related to Japanese cherry blossom culture. Take advantage of the festival to enjoy the fusion of Eastern and Western cultural vibes in Washington D.C.!