Shanxi spring flower viewing guide

As the spring breeze sweeps across Shanxi province, the land bursts into vibrant colors. From apricot blossoms in the north to rapeseed flowers in the south, Shanxi's spring is more stunning than you can imagine! Come and explore the most beautiful flower seas that Shanxi has to offer.

Datong: peach blossoms

Viewing time: early April

Best spots: Hengshan Mountain Scenic Area and Wenying Lake Ecological Park

Peach blossoms in full bloom. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Peach blossoms, ancient temple buildings, and rugged mountains create a picturesque scene at Hengshan Mountain Scenic Area. Meanwhile, peach blossoms swaying with willows by the lake at Wenying Lake Ecological Park are perfect for photos.

Tourism tips: During the Hengshan Mountain Peach Blossom Festival, you can participate in hiking and flower-viewing activities. Wenying Lake is ideal for family outings and lakeside picnics.

Shuozhou: wild apricot blossoms

Viewing time: early April

Best spots: Guangwu Ancient City and Zijing Mountain

Apricot blossoms envelop an ancient building. [Photo/Shuozhou News Network]

Guangwu Ancient City features picturesque scenes that blend vibrant apricot blossoms and ancient walls. Zijing Mountain's vast apricot forest appears like clouds from a distance, making it a paradise for photographers.

Tourism tips: Visit early in the morning for the best photos, as the apricot blossoms look exceptionally soft in the morning light. Pair your visit with a trip to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda to experience a blend of history and nature.

Taiyuan: cherry blossoms

Viewing time: late March to mid-April

Best spot: Yuquan Mountain Suburban Forest Park

Visitors take photos under cherry blossom trees. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Home to the largest cherry blossom garden in North China, Yuquan Mountain Suburban Forest Park features 2,000 mu (133 hectares) of cherry blossoms that resemble clouds and snow. The "Cherry Blossom Valley" is especially photogenic. 

Tourism tips: The mountaintop observation deck offers a panoramic view of Taiyuan city enveloped by cherry blossoms.

Jinzhong: pear blossoms

Viewing time: mid-April

Best spots: Xiangyuan township and Liangcun village in Pingyao county

Pear blossoms that look like snow. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The 1,000 mu pear orchards outside Pingyao Ancient City are a true spring highlight. Snow-white blossoms set against the backdrop of traditional Shanxi merchant courtyards create a scene full of ancient charm. Liangcun village offers a more pastoral feel, perfect for taking ancient-style photos.

Tourism tips: Don't miss trying Pingyao beef and pairing it with pear blossom pastries – absolutely delightful.

Changzhi: forsythia blossoms

Viewing time: April

Best spots: Xier River Scenic Area and Banshan Mountain

A sea of forsythia flowers covers the terraces in golden waves. [Photo/Yellow River News] 

Deep in the Taihang Mountains, seas of forsythia flowers cover the terraces in golden waves. Against the backdrop of red cliffs, every shot here is a masterpiece.

Tourism tips: From the Banshan Mountain observation deck, look out over seas of flowers and the Taihang Mountain range.

Jincheng: rapeseed flowers

Viewing time: April

Best spots: Wangmang Ridge and Xiya Valley

Fields of rapeseed resemble a giant oil painting. [Taihang Daily]

Rapeseed flowers cascade along the Taihang Mountains, with golden and green hues intertwining like a giant oil painting. Along the cliffside roads of Xiya Valley, the fields coexist with towering peaks, creating a visually stunning contrast.

Tourism tips: A road trip from Jincheng to Wangmang Ridge and Xiya Valley offers breathtaking scenery along the entire route.