Ctrip: As spring warms after winter’s chill, early spring is the perfect time to admire plum blossoms

    “A thousand miles clad in silver under biting west winds, yet only plum blossoms dare defy the cold.” Since ancient times, plum blossoms have been favored by poets and scholars for their beauty and refined elegance. Every year from February to March, the Jiangnan region bursts into a riot of plum blossoms, making it the best time for flower appreciation and spring outings. Wandering along winding paths with a couple of friends, seeking the profound charm amidst the plum groves, or strolling through the sea of flowers with family while breathing in the delicate fragrance—truly a delightful way to embrace the first signs of spring. An even better experience is to rent a spacious home, whether to chat with friends under the floating floral scent or to enjoy heartwarming moments with family. Perhaps the beauty of the year begins with these fragrant blooms.

 

Wuxi Tujia Jiahui Plaza Sunshine Two-Bedroom Suite

    The plum blossom is the city flower of Nanjing, and the best place to admire it is undoubtedly Plum Blossom Mountain. Known as the “No. 1 Plum Blossom Mountain in the World,” this renowned destination is a must-visit for locals and global travelers alike at the start of spring, ranking first among China’s four major plum gardens. Based on petal color, the plum blossoms here can be categorized into white, green, cinnabar (red), palace pink (pink), and yellow varieties, with the Plum King, Plum Queen, and Lovers’ Plum being particularly famous.

    Plum cultivation in Nanjing dates back to the Six Dynasties period and has continued uninterrupted for over 1,500 years. Since 1996, Nanjing has hosted an annual International Plum Blossom Festival every spring, a major event that draws visitors to sites such as the Ancient Forest Park and Lishui Fujiabian.

    Among them, Lishui is hailed as the “Hometown of Plum Blossoms,” boasting “ten thousand acres of floral seas and ten miles of plum groves.” The plum forests span over ten thousand acres, and at a glance, the dense crowds of admirers are instantly immersed in the ocean of blossoms. The plum blossoms of Fujiabian are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds—the sweet yet slightly tart green plums offer a taste of spring.

    Additionally, Yuhuatai, along with the plum groves at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain, forms two of Nanjing’s most famous plum blossom viewing spots in the eastern and southern suburbs. If Plum Blossom Mountain is about sightseeing, then Plum Blossom Ridge requires a bit of “seeking.” Ascending from the archway of the Erquan Houshan Scenic Area and following the trail, the view suddenly opens up to reveal a plum grove, as if stepping into a hidden paradise. You can wander leisurely or sit quietly to admire the scenery.

Recommended Accommodation: Nanjing Tujia Sweetome Vacation Apartment (Zhonghai Triumphal Arch). Located on Zhongshan North Road in Nanjing, the apartment boasts a prime location. The area combines natural landscapes with historical and cultural heritage, featuring numerous attractions such as Lion Mountain Park, Hydrangea Park, Yijiangmen, Xingzhongmen, Xiaotaoyuan Scenic Belt, and Jinghai Temple. The neighborhood offers a superior natural environment while ensuring residential privacy. The rooms are designed in a European style, warm and romantic, with clean and tidy interiors providing an excellent retreat. The apartment offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, priced between 224 and 368 yuan per night.