As the weather gradually warms up in spring, from March to May is the best season for outings and flower appreciation. Beijing is brimming with vitality, and flowers such as plum blossoms, mountain peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, Malus spectabilis, lilac flowers, prunus persica duplex, Moutan peonies, Chinese wisteria, China roses and Chinese peonies will bloom in succession. Let's follow this flower appreciation guide and enjoy the splendid scenery of blooming flowers in the Summer Palace!

Peach Blossoms Along the West Causeway

Appreciation Time: Mid to late March to early April

Appreciation Spot: West Causeway

The peach blossoms along the West Causeway extend into Kunming Lake, with deep pink, light pink, and peach-hued branches intertwining with the lake scenery, mountain views, and reflections of pagodas and bridges. Immersed in this setting, you can gaze towards the Foxiang Pavilion and the Seventeen Arch Bridge through the interlacing branches, as if wandering through a painting adorned with floral shadows.

Yulan Magnolias

Appreciation Time: Late March to mid to late April

Appreciation Spot: Leshou Hall, North Ruyi Gate, Yiyun Hall, Changguan Hall

The Yulan magnolia trees in the Summer Palace have a history spanning over 200 years. As Emperor Qianlong and his mother favored the precious southern Yulan magnolias, the Emperor personally introduced Yulan magnolias from the south and planted them around Leshou Hall. Two ancient Yulan magnolia trees can be found in the Summer Palace: the purple Yulan magnolia behind Leshou Hall and the white Yulan magnolia in front of the Yaoyue Gate on the west side. These towering trees with branches laden with blossoms are said to symbolize "jade halls of wealth and nobility." During the blooming season, their fragrance permeates the air, earning them the name "Fragrant Jade Sea."   

Lilacs

Appreciation Time: Early April to mid to late April

Appreciation Spot: Dingxiang Path behind Wanshou Hill, Gengzhitu

Behind Wanshou Hill in the Summer Palace, there is a lilac-lined path called Dingxiang Path. Starting from the foot of Wanshou Hill in the west, it follows a gently sloping mountain trail eastward until reaching the western side of the Four Continents area at the top of the rear hill, with a length of approximately 100 meters, there are more than 300 lilac trees, with crowns reaching 5 to 6 meters high. During the lilac blooming season, the alternating purple and white hues create a striking and staggered effect, resembling a river of flowers. The fragrance of the lilac blossoms is enchanting and captivating.