Even though Beijing still shudders in chill, spring has already arrived. Instead of wrap yourself indoor, it is time to stretch your bones and muscles in early spring blossom.

※Plum blossom

• Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park

The best place to view plum blossom in Beijing should be Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park, where various kinds of plum trees are blooming. Located at the southeast corner of Beijing's inner walled city, about 3 km from the city center, it boasts the longest and best preserved section of the city's Ming Dynasty city wall. The park features a 1.5 km section of the Ming city wall and the Southeast Corner Tower, which are over 550 years old and surrounded by green park space to the south and east.

Address: No. 9, Chongwenmen East Street, Dongcheng District

• Hongluo Temple

Hongluo Temple had been very popular for centuries. It is also the cradle of Chinese Qigong. Initially constructed during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD 317 – 420), Hongluo Temple was the biggest one in Northern China. Masters were mostly appointed by the royalties. Also, the ancient trees added a piece of quietness to the temple’s quiet atmosphere.

Address: No.2 East Hongluo Road, Huairou District

※Wintersweet

• Fragrant Hills Park

Situated in western suburb of Beijing, with a covered area of 188 hectares and steep terrain and continuous green scenes, Fragrant Hills Park is a royal park featured with scenes of mountain forest. Wintersweets hide in the valley It is well known that there is a “wintersweet valley” near the southern part of the Lake of Spectacles.

Address: Fragrant Hills Park, Biyunsi Road, Haidian District

• Beijing Botanical Garden

The Beijing Botanical Garden has by tradition been engaged in the conservation of the native flora, especially plants from northern, northeastern and northwestern China. A large area is currently opened to the public, including living plant collections, historic sites and a nature reserve. Excellent displays are made monthly in the main conservatory bonsai garden, the arboretum and 14 outdoor gardens which include: a peony garden, rose garden, ornamental peach garden, lilac garden, crabapple garden, magnolia garden, fall color garden, perennial garden, bamboo garden and flower garden.

Address: Xiangshan South Road, Haidian District

• The Summer Palace

Each year, there will be wintersweet exhibition at the Summer Palace. Located in the northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace is the largest and most complete imperial garden currently in China. With beautiful scenery and quiet landscape, it is an ideal place to enjoy early spring flowers. With the surrounding landscape environment, it is full of the magnificent momentum of Chinese imperial gardens while also full of natural interest.

Address: No. 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District