There are countless poems celebrating plum blossoms in China. The plum blossom symbolizes vitality in the harsh winter and hope in the desolation—who wouldn't love it? Today, I'd like to share three classic spots in Beijing for plum blossom viewing. While spring is still gentle, let's set off to find that sea of plum blossoms!

Recommended viewing period: late February to mid-March each year

Recommended locations: Ming City Wall Ruins Park, National Botanical Garden, Wofu Temple, Xiangshuihu Great Wall

Ming City Wall Ruins Park

The Ming City Wall Ruins Park in Beijing stretches 1.5 kilometers from the Southeast Corner Tower to Chongwenmen. It is the last remaining segment of the original inner city walls of Beijing and a symbol of the city. The Southeast Corner Tower is the largest remaining corner tower in the country.

This park is a great place to appreciate plum blossoms, as their elegant simplicity beautifully contrasts with the heavy, ancient atmosphere of the city walls. In mid-March, the greenery begins to emerge, and large areas of plum blossoms bloom in competition, heralding the arrival of spring. The delicate flowers gently sway, resembling rosy cheeks and releasing a subtle fragrance. It is said that "bamboo has drooping leaves, but plum blossoms do not face upward." This year, when admiring the plum blossoms, take a moment to observe whether these understated flowers indeed "do not face upward." Why not wander through the vast sea of plum blossoms in Ming City Wall Ruins Park?

Wofu Temple at the National Botanical Garden

Wofu Temple was built during the Tang Dynasty, over 1,300 years ago, making it a true ancient temple. It has long been a popular spot in Beijing for appreciating wax plums, with more than 100 trees of various varieties such as Suxin, Qingkou, and Gouya planted within the area.

Since the 1990s, the Beijing Botanical Garden has gradually introduced wax plum trees from places like YanLing in Henan, Jiangsu, and Sichuan, planting them around Wofu Temple. When the plum blossoms are in full bloom, the temple is filled with their subtle fragrance, refreshing the spirit.

In this tranquil ancient temple, the bright yellow wax plums create a picturesque winter scene, with the blossoms beautifully contrasting against the temple walls. Strolling through Wofu Temple, you can immerse yourself in the serene fragrance of the flowers, reflecting on the past and feeling a wave of emotions.

Xiangshuihu Great Wall

Xiangshuihu Scenic Area in Huairou District is a perfect recreational getaway that combines the Great Wall, ancient caves, mountains, springs, waterfalls, and Ming Dynasty rock carvings. With streams and lakes, as well as the weathered yet still majestic Ming Great Wall and the steeply restored sections, it's an excellent choice for flower viewing and spring exploration.

In April 2020, the scenic area introduced 3,500 plum saplings from Henan, aiming to create a stunning "sea of fragrant plum blossoms". The Xiangshuihu Plum Blossom Festival took place from February 5 to March 31 this year,  featuring both indoor and outdoor exhibitions that should not be missed by plum blossom enthusiasts. The indoor exhibit showcases various ancient and rare plum varieties for appreciation, while the outdoor display, "plums reflecting the Great Wall", offers a unique landscape that is one of a kind in Beijing.

Each plum blossom stands proudly on its branches, while the weathered Great Wall tells stories of its past glory. The Great Wall and plum blossoms seem to create a timeless rendezvous. Both are symbols of Chinese spirit and culture. Climbing the Great Wall and admiring the plum blossoms is invigorating and uplifting for the spirit.