Before the peach blossoms bloom, the apricot blossoms have already filled the hillsides. With simple petals and elegant colors, they are unassuming and gentle, reminiscent of a neighborly girl. In Chinese tradition, apricot blossoms are the flowers of the second month in the twelve flower deities, reflecting their esteemed status. They are known for their color-changing feature; when in bud, they are vibrant red, gradually fading to pale as they bloom, and turning snow-white upon falling. In Beijing, there are excellent spots for admiring apricot blossoms, from the Temple of Heaven to the Great Wall, where the flowers beautifully contrast with ancient architecture.

Recommended viewing period: Mid-March to early April

Recommended viewing locations: Temple of Heaven Park, Badaling Great Wall, Juyongguan Great Wall, S2 Railway, Beizhai Village in Pinggu District

Temple of Heaven Park

Temple of Heaven Park is home to a wide variety of flowers, and the apricot blossoms are a major highlight of early spring. On the west side of the park's north gate, there is a large apricot grove, planted between 1957 and 1960, which currently houses over 150 trees, making it the largest apricot grove within the Fifth Ring Road. Some of these trees are ancient, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, with sturdy trunks and a rustic appearance that create a grand display when in bloom. Every year, from late March to early April, the apricot blossoms in this grove burst into bloom, with their pink hues resembling clouds and mist, filling the air with a delightful fragrance. Sitting on a bench in the apricot grove, you can take a moment to relax in this floral paradise and enjoy the joy and nourishment that nature and the changing seasons bring.

Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall boasts hundreds of acres of apricot blossoms, with numerous wild apricot trees growing on both sides of the wall. In early spring, climbing the Great Wall to enjoy the apricot flowers is a perfect time. When the blossoms bloom, hundreds of acres come alive with pink, creating countless floral clusters in the mountains. The gnarled branches intertwine, forming a stunning display. Looking up, the ancient wall appears to weave through these waves of blossoms, resembling a giant dragon amidst a sea of flowers.

The pale pink and white apricot blossoms contrast beautifully with the grayish ancient stones, while fresh green spring buds add splashes of color. Together, these elements create a picturesque scene that evokes nostalgia and a sense of hopeful happiness. Badaling also features a special "apricot blossom banquet", providing visitors with a unique and refreshing experience.

Juyongguan Great Wall and S2 Railway Line

Juyongguan Great Wall is famously known as the "floral Great Wall". During the Jin Dynasty, it was part of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing, celebrated for its lush greenery. In the vibrant season of spring, the apricot blossoms arrive on schedule, making the "sea of flowers in Juyongguan" a fitting name.

To enjoy the blossoms at Juyongguan, you can take the "Train to Spring"—the Beijing Suburban Railway S2 Line. This line includes seven stations: Beijing North, Huangtudian, Nankou, Badaling, Kangzhuang, Yanqing, and Shacheng. The section from Juyongguan to Badaling is known as the "Guangou Section". Following the Great Wall, the mountains are adorned with wild peach and apricot trees, creating a breathtaking sight in spring that captivates the entire city.

The "Guangou Section" was once the most challenging stretch when constructing the Jingzhang Railway, but now it is one of the most poetic locations in the capital. As the ice melts, the mountains come alive with blooms: first the pale apricot blossoms, followed by the pink wild peaches. The mountains are festooned with flowers around the Qingming Festival, lasting until the first notes of the orioles cause the last petals to fall.

If it weren't for budget constraints back then, engineer Zhan Tianyou wouldn't have chosen this complex terrain for the railway. However, history hasn't deprived us of this journey to spring. More encouragingly, over a century later, the alternate route surveyed by the father of Chinese railways has been transformed into the modern Jingzhang High-Speed Railway. This railway pioneer has not only laid down the most beautiful tracks for us but also mapped out our future. While history will fade, the mountain flowers will forever bloom. Today, as you enjoy the scenery from the train, remember that those who preserve these views are waiting for you at the mountain's edge.

Beizhai Village in Pinggu District

Beizhai Village is located in Nandulehe Town of Pinggu District, surrounded by mountains on three sides and boasting a high forest coverage rate. It is renowned for producing the precious Beizhai red apricots, earning it the title of "First Village of Red Apricots" in China. In early spring, the apricot blossoms blanket the hills, swaying gently in the breeze like clouds and mist. The international hiking trail that starts from Beizhai Village stretches 43 kilometers, featuring few villages along the way and wide paths. The picturesque Apricot Garden Lake and the winding hiking trail provide excellent spots for flower viewing and enjoying nature. In 2020, Beizhai's apricot blossoms were recognized as a popular destination in Beijing, showcasing its fame and stunning scenery.