In the blooming month of March, spring warms the earth and flowers come alive. Having just bid farewell to the Spring Festival, it’s now the perfect time to embrace spring. Though not yet the Spring Equinox, the season is already vibrant with life as everything awakens and spring colors are everywhere. The hottest topic during this period is undoubtedly cherry blossom viewing. Since its establishment in early 2017, the Blue Tone Manor Cherry Blossom Garden has transplanted nearly 10,000 premium cherry trees of 28 varieties. Thanks to the careful cultivation by cherry blossom experts from Wuhan and professional anti-freezing measures, all the blossoms in the garden are now full of vitality and ready to bloom. If you’re planning to visit Beijing this March to experience the most beautiful cherry blossom season, don’t miss this cherry blossom preview.
Depending on the variety, the blooming periods of different cherry blossoms vary. Moreover, cherry blossom viewing comes with a complete cultural tradition. From the initial “bud” stage to “one-third bloom,” “half bloom,” “seven-tenths bloom,” and finally “full bloom,” each stage has its own specific terminology. Currently, the cherry blossoms at Blue Tone Manor are in the “bud” stage. Due to the recent significant rise in temperatures in Beijing, the first blooms are expected around the 25th to 28th of this month. (Note: The blooming time may vary slightly with weather changes; please refer to official notices.)
In cherry blossom culture, there are many specialized terms related to blossom viewing. The term “sakura time” refers to the season when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, while the act of viewing them is called “hanami.” Hanami means not only admiring the blossoms but also gathering under the trees, raising glasses, and sharing the joy of spring. This year, the Blue Tone Manor Cherry Blossom Garden will host a grand cherry blossom festival cultural event, blending modern elements to add new charm to the traditional and elegant practice of cherry blossom viewing.
Cherry blossom culture is diverse and not limited to real-life appreciation—it also enjoys immense popularity in the world of anime and manga. This cherry blossom festival will also feature a large-scale “Cherry Blossom Anime Pilgrimage Festival” anime culture week, inviting numerous highly popular “utaites” (singers), “dancers,” and cosplayers to join in. There will be major themed events such as the “Cherry Blossom Festival Dimensional Music Concert,” “Cherry Blossom Festival Dimensional Stage Play,” and “Cherry Blossom Festival COS Parade.” Other highlights include benefits like a “Japanese-style market,” “Lolita tea party,” and “onsen bathhouse,” offering an immersive experience that transcends dimensions.
The epiphyllum blooms only for an instant and is often described as the flower among flowers that doesn’t last—but even its fleeting presence is cherished as flowers bloom at our will. Cherry blossoms, with their brief blooming period, symbolize the journey between city and countryside, the longing for simplicity, and the temporary resting place of the soul—from brilliance to gentle fall. As late March approaches and the blooming season nears, choose a bright day to temporarily leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city, leaving behind a touch of pink nostalgia in this fleeting world—this is exactly the scene we look forward to.
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Appendix: Visitor Guide
Transportation Information
By Car
Take the Jing-Tong Expressway, Chaoyang Road, or Chaoyang North Road eastward, then head north on the East Fifth Ring Road. Exit at Pingfangqiao, go east on Airport Expressway Second Ring North, exit at Dongwei Road, go east, enter through the Rainbow Gate, continue east along Jiaosha Road, and turn north at Jiaosha Roundabout—500 meters ahead you will arrive.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 39°57′49.26″N, Longitude 116°35′46.27″E
By Bus
Take bus 639 to Louzizhuang Majiagou Station. Alternatively, from Guomao (Dabeiyao North), take buses 488 or 502; from Jintai Intersection East, take bus 306.