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Peach Blossoms
The Peach Blossom Festival at the Beijing Botanical Garden has already begun. The Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Park, home to what is known as "the largest crabapple forest in urban Beijing," is also waiting for visitors to explore; and the peach blossoms in Pinggu are even nationally renowned. April is the peak of the blooming season—make the most of your holidays and weekends to head out for a spring outing.
Peach Blossom Viewing
Recommended Spot: Beijing Botanical Garden
The 24th Beijing Peach Blossom Festival kicked off on the 29th at the Beijing Botanical Garden. The theme of this year’s festival is “Finding Your Peach Blossom Paradise.” During the festival, visitors can not only enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and diverse plant species within the garden but also participate in a variety of engaging cultural activities.
The festival will run through mid-May, showcasing nearly 1,000 varieties and one million pots (or plants) of flowers. Many new and premium flowering plants will make their debut. Among the highlights is this year’s new peach blossom variety, “Pinhong.” Developed through artificial hybridization by the Beijing Botanical Garden and Beijing Forestry University, this ornamental peach blossom variety is expected to bloom in early April.
During the Peach Blossom Festival, visitors can admire different plants and enjoy beautiful landscape designs in areas such as the “Mountain Peach Zone,” “Magnolia Garden,” “Plum Garden,” “Crabapple Garden,” “Lilac Garden,” “Peach Blossom Garden,” “Tulip Flower Exhibition Area,” and “Peony Garden.” Brief introductions next to the plants allow visitors to learn about plant culture while enjoying the scenery. A special exhibition of Qingming Festival plants in the tropical exhibition greenhouse offers insight into traditional festival culture, while a Dai ethnic culture exhibition provides a taste of unique minority traditions. The Science Popularization Hall hosts a peach culture exhibition that lets visitors experience China’s deep-rooted peach culture. Additionally, numerous poems and verses related to peach blossoms throughout the garden add a rich cultural atmosphere to the event.
To make it easier for visitors to explore, the Beijing Botanical Garden has introduced four specially curated health-themed walking routes during the Peach Blossom Festival. Each route has its own unique features, catering to different preferences.
1. Mountain-Loving Route: From the South Gate of the Botanical Garden, pass by the Preparatory Greenhouse, then head west of the Tropical Exhibition Greenhouse, visit the Peony Garden, Crabapple Garden (west side), Plum Garden, Cherry Valley.
2. Water-Loving Route: Enter from the Southeast Gate, go to the east side of the Visitor Service Center, walk north along the lake past the west side of the Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall, turn right at Luoguo Bridge, enter Beihu Lake via the platform, walk around the lake, return via Luoguo Bridge, continue along the west bank of Zhonghu Lake and the east side of the Bonsai Garden, then follow the west bank of Nanhu Lake back to the Visitor Service Center and exit through the Southeast Gate.
3. History Route: From the Southeast Gate, visit the Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall (Qing Dynasty), head west to the Watchtower (Qing Dynasty), then to the Liang Qichao Tomb (late Qing and Republican era), Sun Chuanfang Tomb (Republican era), continue north to the Reclining Buddha Temple (Tang and Yuan Dynasties), pass through the Plum Garden to Cherry Valley (Ming Dynasty), then to the 129 Memorial Pavilion, walk back along Yuanbao Rock to the South Gate.
4. Flower Sea Route: Start at the Southeast Gate (flower border area), visit the Science Popularization Hall north side (white-flowered mountain peach, tulips), head west to the Central Axis Road (winter jasmine, elm-leaved plum), then north to the Greenhouse (flower borders nearby), enter the Peach Blossom Garden (peach blossoms), follow the path north into the Lilac Garden (lilacs), exit and head north to the Magnolia Garden (magnolia), exit the west gate and enter the Plum Garden (plum blossoms), head south to the Crabapple Garden (crabapples), then to the Peony Garden, pass through the Exhibition Greenhouse, and finally reach the South Gate (South Gate flower bed).
Tips for Visiting the Botanical Garden:
Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early May
Ticket Price Update: From March 29 to May 13, 2012, the entrance ticket price for the Beijing Botanical Garden was adjusted from 5 RMB per person to 10 RMB per person. Other ticket prices remain according to current policies. Additionally, a special discounted combo ticket is available for 45 RMB per person, which includes the garden entrance, greenhouse, and Reclining Buddha Temple tickets—saving you 15 RMB compared to buying individual tickets.
Regular Ticket: 10 RMB/person; Student Ticket: 5 RMB/person; Greenhouse: 50 RMB/person; Student Ticket: 40 RMB/person; Reclining Buddha Temple: 5 RMB/person; Discount Combo Ticket: 45 RMB/person; Butterfly Hall: 10 RMB/person.
Address: Wofo Temple Road, Xiangshan, Haidian District, Beijing
Transportation: Direct buses include routes 634, 360, 331, 318, 737, and 733.
Driving Directions: Take the Exit for Xiangshan on the 4th or 5th Ring Road, and follow the signs.
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Crabapple Blossoms
Crabapple Blossom Viewing
Recommended Spot: Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Park
Reason for Recommendation: The Largest Crabapple Forest in Urban Beijing
The Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Park features the Crabapple Blossom Stream, where over 2,500 crabapple trees of more than ten varieties—including Begonia-flowered crabapple, Tang crabapple, Golden Star crabapple, and Weeping crabapple—are planted. It is the largest crabapple forest in the urban area. The Crabapple Blossom Festival here is one of Beijing’s three major spring flower festivals, alongside the Peach Blossom Festival at the Xiangshan Botanical Garden and the Cherry Blossom Festival at Yuyuantan Park. As an open park, entry to the Crabapple Blossom Stream scenic area is free during the festival, where visitors can enjoy the flowers with soothing background music.
Must-Visit Areas in the Park:
1. Crabapple Blossom Stream Scenic Area:
Located east of Panda Roundabout, this area has been preserved and upgraded. It is planted with nearly 2,000 crabapple trees of various types, including Begonia-flowered crabapple, Tang crabapple, Golden Star crabapple, and Weeping crabapple, making it the largest crabapple forest in the city.
2. Grand Yuan Prosperity Scenic Area:
Located on the east side of the intersection of Anding Road and Xiaoguan Intersection. The scenic area features the grand and awe-inspiring "Prosperous Capital" sculpture group and an 80-meter-long large-scale mural, complemented by garden ornaments such as steeds, stone sheep, and wooden pavilions. With its unique artistic charm, it vividly and authentically recreates the political, economic, military, technological, cultural, and lifestyle characteristics and outstanding achievements of the Yuan Dynasty, showcasing the bold and unrestrained grassland culture as well as the profound national culture and the long, weighty history of Beijing. This makes the Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park a large-scale "open-air art museum." It is the largest outdoor sculpture group in Beijing.
3. "Dragon’s Rise, Fish’s Leap" Scenic Area:
At the easternmost end of the park, where the urban light rail and Xiaoyue River intersect diagonally, lies a triangular plot resembling a dragon’s head, covering an area of about 17,000 square meters. It forms a natural wetland garden with a rustic charm, becoming the largest artificial wetland within Beijing’s urban area.
Crabapple Flower Viewing Tips
Best viewing period: March to April
Yuan Dadu Ruins Park Admission: Free
1. Transportation: The Dadu City Wall Ruins Park (Haidian Section) attractions are distributed along Xitucheng and Beitucheng. The sections including "Wall Nostalgia," "Jimen Misty Trees," and "Iron Riders’ Majesty" are in the Xitucheng section, accessible by buses 392, 375, and 902;
2. Attractions such as "Fragrant Thyme Fragrance," "Silver Waves Catching the Moon," "Crape Myrtle in the Painting," "Founding Ceremony of the Capital," "New Vision at the Water Gate," "Prosperity on Horseback," and "Yanyun Pastoral Song" are located in the Beitucheng section, accessible by buses 22, 38, and 331.
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Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Recommended viewing spot: Yuyuantan Park
Every year when the cherry blossoms bloom, Yuyuantan Park holds a Cherry Blossom Festival. During this time, visitors can admire 2,000 cherry trees of 20 different varieties. As the spring breeze blows, the petals flutter and fall, creating a truly breathtaking scene.
1. Cherry Blossom Garden:
The Cherry Blossom Garden is located in the northwest part of the park, adjacent to the bustling West Third Ring Road. A mountain range runs east-west through the garden, with winding paths and lush green shores. It was constructed in 1989 alongside the nearby TV tower.
2. Spring Retention Garden:
The Spring Retention Garden was built in 1983, located in the eastern part of Yuyuantan Park, covering an area of 16,300 square meters. It features a central open lawn, surrounded by pavilions, corridors, tall trees, and a variety of flowers and plants that can be enjoyed all four seasons.
3. Zhongshan Island:
Zhongshan Island is located in the southwest of the park, a narrow sloping area between Bayi Lake and West Lake. It is 800 meters long and about 80 meters wide, forming an undulating ridge of varying widths that stretches from east to west.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Tips at Yuyuantan Park
Best viewing period: Late March to late April
Ticket price: 10 RMB (during the Cherry Blossom Festival) / 2 RMB (regular)
Park address: West Third Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Transportation: The west gate is on West Third Ring Middle Road, opposite the China Central Television Tower. Accessible by buses 300, 323, 374, Te 8, and various Yuntong lines.
Driving route: Heading north from Gongzhufen, exit the main road in advance. There is a parking lot north of the west gate. Heading south from the north, go under Hangtian Bridge and park near the TV tower.
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Lilacs
Lilac Flower Viewing
Recommended viewing spot: Fayuan Temple
Reason for recommendation: Lilacs are known as the "Sea of Fragrant Snow" and were once ranked among the top three floral events in the capital alongside the peonies of Chongxiao Temple and the crabapples of Prince Gong’s Mansion.
Lush and Diverse Flora
Fayuan Temple is a historic and renowned Buddhist temple. The temple grounds are elegant with many lush pines, cypresses, ginkgos, and lilacs, including Yuan Dynasty white-bark pines, Qing Dynasty scholar-tree fruits, and two West-Plum Blossom crabapples planted by Emperor Qianlong. As a result, Fayuan Temple has long been famous for its lilacs and crabapples, attracting many notable visitors who have composed poetry in their praise.
The best time to visit Fayuan Temple is late spring to early summer when the lilacs are in full bloom. Known as the "Sea of Fragrant Snow," they were once ranked among the three major floral events of the capital alongside the peonies of Chongxiao Temple and the crabapple blossoms of Prince Gong’s Mansion.
Lilac flowers are small and grow in clusters, coming in white and purple varieties. Typically, each flower has four petals and emits a bittersweet fragrance. When in bloom—especially at night—their rich aroma wafts through the air, intoxicating visitors. Lilacs are one of the "Three Wonders of Fayuan Temple." Both the front and rear courtyards of the temple are planted with them—not only in vast numbers forming entire groves but also featuring diverse species and colors. In addition to native North China purple lilacs and their white variants, there are also foreign lilacs said to have been brought back by Zheng He from the Maluku Islands during his voyages to the Western Seas.
Flower Viewing Tips:
Best viewing period: Mid-April to early May
Ticket price: 5 RMB
Address: No. 7 Fayuanqian Street, Xuanwu District, Beijing
How to get to Fayuan Temple: Take bus routes 109, 105, 743, or 57 to Niu Jie Nan Kou (Southern Entrance of Niujie) or Jiaozi Hutong, then head east.
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Tulips
Tulip Viewing
Recommended viewing spot: Zhongshan Park
The blooming tulips at Zhongshan Park attract large crowds of flower enthusiasts and photography lovers every year. The park showcases tulips through large color-block plantings, naturally arranged potted plants, and combinations with themed flower stands, all reflecting a harmonious and natural exhibition style.
During the tulip blooming season, Zhongshan Park also hosts a Tulip Flower Exhibition. Other spring blooms such as orchids, azaleas, bromeliads, plum blossoms, crabapples, marigolds, petunias, pansies, poppies, and lupines also vie for attention, creating a delightful and uplifting spectacle.
Tulip Viewing Tips at Zhongshan Park
Best viewing period: April 15 to May 10
How to get to Zhongshan Park: Take bus routes 1, 4, 5, 10, 37, 52, 726, or 802 and get off at Tiananmen West (Zhongshan Park) Station.
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Peach Blossoms
Peach Blossom Viewing
Recommended peach blossom destination: Pinggu
Reason for recommendation: With 220,000 acres of peach orchards, it is known as the world’s largest peach-growing area, China’s biggest peach region, and the capital’s largest fruit production zone.
Every April, Pinggu hosts the International Peach Blossom Festival. During this time, the peach blossoms enter full bloom, stretching as far as the eye can see across the 220,000-acre expanse. The best period to admire the sea of peach blossoms is mid-April, with the most concentrated viewing areas located in Yuankou Town, Liujiajian Town, Dahuashan Town, Shandongzhuang Town, Nandulehe Town, and Jinhaihu Town in Pinggu District.
Best viewing period: Early April to early May
One-day Tour Itinerary Recommendations:
1. Peach Blossom Sea – Panfeng Hotel – Jingdong Grand Canyon – Jingdong Grand Canyon Facilities Peach Orchard
2. Peach Blossom Sea – Jinhai Hotel – Jingdong Grand Grotto – Baigezhuang Facilities Peach Base
Two-day Tour Itinerary Recommendations:
1. Peach Blossom Sea – Panfeng Hotel – Jingdong Grand Canyon – Jingdong Grand Grotto – Fruit Picking – Jinhaihu – Jingdong Grand Grotto
2. Jingdong Grand Canyon – Yuzishan Folk Village – Jingdong Grand Grotto – National Peach Picking & Peach Blossom Viewing
Self-driving Route Guide:
1. The most convenient route is taking the Jingping Expressway directly to Pinggu District. Exit at Donggaocun Station and follow the signs.
2. Take the Jingcheng Expressway, then transfer to the Airport North Road and exit at the first exit after Liushu Roundabout. Head east on Shunping Road for about 35 kilometers, then turn left at Guanzhuang Intersection. Soon after turning north from Guanzhuang Intersection, you’ll see peach orchards lining the roadside, as well as several tourist spots. There are many cameras on Shunping Road with a speed limit of 60–70 km/h, so please drive carefully.
Bus routes: From Dongzhimen Station on Beijing Subway Line 2, go to the Dongzhimen Bus Terminal and take bus 918 directly to Pinggu. The whole journey takes about 1.5–2 hours. After arriving in Pinggu, you can transfer to local minibuses to reach various attractions or peach orchards along the way, and stay at local farmhouses.
Recommended scenic spots in Pinggu: Jinhai Lake, Jindong Grand Cavern, Jindong Grand Canyon, Yaji Mountain, and Laoxiang Peak.
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Magnolia flowers
Viewing magnolias
Recommended viewing spot: Dajue Temple
The white magnolia flowers at Dajue Temple are long renowned, excelling in form, color, and fragrance among all in Beijing. In the Siyitang Hall within the temple stands a magnolia tree with lush blossoms and large petals, pure as jade and richly fragrant. Due to its mountain location, the magnolias here generally bloom about ten days later than those in urban areas. They usually flower in early April, with a blooming period of around one week. On sunny and pleasant days, the blooming period may extend a few more days. When in full bloom, the tree is covered in glistening blossoms—large, fragrant, vivid yet not garish.
Tips for viewing magnolias at Dajue Temple:
Best viewing time: Early April
Dajue Temple ticket price: 20 RMB
Address: No. 9 Dajue Temple Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Transportation: Take bus 346 or 903, or a suburban tourist train
Driving route: Exit at the Badaling Expressway’s Beianhe Exit (Exit 9), then head west on Beiqing Road until the end, turn left, and follow the signs to Dajue Temple.
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Magnolia flowers
Recommended viewing spot: Tanzhe Temple
Reason for recommendation: The 400-year-old “Erqiao Magnolia.”
Located in the mountain valley of Baozhu Peak in Mentougou District, Beijing, over 40 kilometers from the city, Tanzhe Temple was first built during the Jin Dynasty and is the oldest temple in the Beijing area. There is a saying among locals: “Tanzhe Temple was built before Yanjing City.” The temple got its name because there is a dragon pool behind it and zhè (a type of tree) trees in front.
Every year in April during the flowering season, the “Erqiao Magnolia” at Tanzhe Temple blooms in full splendor, filling the garden with fragrance. Since 2009, the Tanzhe Temple Magnolia Festival has become a major spring event in western Beijing, where visitors can participate in interactive activities, welcome spring, enjoy the flowers, and pray for blessings.
The “Erqiao Magnolia,” planted during the Ming Dynasty, is over 400 years old and is a famous flower celebrated across Beijing. This flower features both pink and white colors, making it exceptionally beautiful. It is thus praised by comparing it to the two beauties of the Three Kingdoms period, “Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.” An ancient poem describes its beauty: “The unparalleled spring scene in the capital, purple magnolias by the white stone steps.”
Address: Tanzhe Temple Town, Mentougou District, Beijing
Transportation: Take Tourist Route 7 from Qianmen or Fuchengmen to reach Tanzhe Temple. Alternatively, take the subway, bus 921, 336, or 959 to Apple Park, then transfer to bus 931 to Tanzhe Temple.
Driving route: Located north of Tanzhe Temple Town, about 40 kilometers from the city center. Take the Jingyuan Highway, and upon reaching Tanzhe Temple Town, head north on Tanzhe Temple Road to get there.