Guide to view plum blossoms in Dongcheng parks

As spring breezes sweep through, plum blossoms quietly bloom in the lingering chill, painting the city with vibrant hues. This article compiles the best spots in Dongcheng to admire the "First Bloom of the East Wind"—the timeless charm of plum flowers.

First Stop: Ming City Wall Ruins Park

The park features a 1,500-meter-long east-west stretch of open green space between the walking path and the ancient wall ruins, creating a sunlit, wind-sheltered microclimate ideal for plum blossoms. Since 2004, over 1,000 plum trees of 50+ varieties have been cultivated here, including Vermilion, Palace Pink, Jade Butterfly, and Green Calyx—making it Beijing's most diverse plum blossom destination. Crimson and white blooms contrast with the weathered city wall, evoking the poetic scene of "a few plum branches by the wall, braving the cold alone." Stroll along the ancient wall, where history and blossoms intertwine, offering perfect photo opportunities.

Address: No. 9 Chongwenmen Dongjie (E.St), Dongcheng

Ticket: Free entry (Corner Tower: 10 RMB/person)

Transport:

Bus: Take routes 142, 17, 20, 29, or 43 to Dongbianmen Station

Subway: Line 2 or 5 to Chongwenmen Station

Second Stop: Ditan Park

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) blooms from late February to mid-March near the Ginkgo Road (southwest) and the southeast side of the Zhai Palace. Golden petals against ancient pavilions, paired with their delicate fragrance, create a serene classical ambiance.

Address: No. 2, Andingmenwai Dajie (St), Dongcheng

Ticket: 2 RMB/person

Transport:

South Gate: Subway Line 2/5 to Yonghegong Station; Buses 13, 18, 84, 116, 117, 125

West Gate: Subway Line 2 to Andingmen Station; Buses 18, 75, 104, 108, etc

North Gate: Subway Line 5 to Hepingli Beijie Station; Bus 125

East Gate: Buses 117, 125

Third Stop: Longtan Park

Plum and wintersweet blossoms thrive near the "Dragon Stone Forest" area and east of Shuangxing Bridge from late February to late March. Pink-and-white clusters, paired with arched bridges and streams, form a picturesque spring scene.

Address: No. 16 Longtan Lu (Rd), Dongcheng

Ticket: 2 RMB/person

Transport:

Subway: Lines 5 (Tiantandongmen Station), 10 (Jinsong Station), 7 (Guangqumennei Station), or 14 (Fangzhuang Station).

Bus stops vary by gate (Northwest, North, West, East).

Fourth Stop: Longtanxi Hu Park