As spring gradually warms, March to May is the best season for outings and flower appreciation. The city of Beijing is brimming with vitality, and flowers such as plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, crab-apple blossoms, lilacs, flowering peaches, peonies, wisteria, roses, and peonies will bloom in succession. Let's follow this flower appreciation guide and enjoy the splendid scenery of blooming flowers in Beihai Park!

Cherry Blossoms

Appreciation Time: Late March

Appreciation Spot: Chanfusi Temple, Hopu Area, Qionghua Island  

Apart from the red walls and green tiles, the most captivating sight in Beihai Park is the cherry blossoms that adorn the Qionghua Island in March, creating a picturesque scene with the White Stupa. The cherry blossoms are most abundant near the White Stupa, especially to the west, where the pink cherry blossoms, white stupa, and intricate railings form a beautiful composition. Walking down the mountain paths on either side of Yongan Temple, you can also catch glimpses of cherry blossoms framed by the red walls.

Crab-apple Blossoms

Appreciation Time: Mid-April to late April

Appreciation Spot: West Gate, Qionghua Island

The crab-apple blossoms in Beihai Park are primarily planted along the western shore of Taiyechi Lake and on Qionghua Island. In addition to the common varieties such as Xifuhai, Chuisicrab-apple, Tiegengcrab-apple, and Yizhoucrab-apple, the park also cultivates American varieties like Indian Magic and Abundance.

Crab-apple blossoms are renowned flowers appreciated by both the refined and the common. They have a long history in China, and ancient Chinese often incorporated them into classical garden designs, creating elegant and secluded garden spaces. In April, Beihai Park is adorned with a brocade of blossoms, with the crab-apple tree branches embraced by clusters of buds. A gentle breeze carries the scent of the crab-apple blossoms, which surpass the beauty of snow, evoking a delightful feeling akin to the caress of a spring breeze.