The flower season has arrived in Beijing, with the Plum Blossom at the Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park attracting visitors to view some of the first blossoms of spring.

The plum blossom is one of the most famous flowers in China and one of the most popular subjects in Chinese poems and paintings. It is a noble flower that braves the cold.

The plum has five petals symbolizing five auspicious nesses. Plum flower, pine tree, bamboo, and chrysanthemum form the "four plants of virtue". Bamboo and plum trees represent man and wife. Plum, pine trees, and bamboo together are known as the "Friends in Winter".

The best time for watching plum blossom begins from March to the mid- April. Nowadays, some trees are already covered in fragrant blossoms, but around March 27, all of the nearly 1,000 trees in the park should be in full bloom. Tree blossoms range in color from white to a vivid pink.

The blossoms are a popular spring activity for photographers, but people of all ages come to the park to enjoy the blossoms. Upon arriving at the park, there were several dozen people strolling on the pathways, enjoying spring sunshine, and taking pictures of trees.