Guide to spring flower viewing in Shanxi

A rich variety of spring flowers can now be found all across Shanxi. Even the air seems to carry a hint of sweetness. Some spring flowers grace the land for a generous 30-day span, yet others can only be enjoyed for a mere 15 days. Here is your guide to the ultimate flower-viewing locations in Shanxi:

Plum blossoms

Plum blossoms are the heralds of early spring. [Photo/Shanxi News Network]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Jinzhong (Xiaowutai Plum Blossom Festival at Xiaowutai Manor)

Yuncheng (Shunxiang Suburban Forest Park, Yuanqu county)

Jincheng (Zezhou Road)

Best flower-viewing period: February to April

Magnolia blossoms

Magnolia blossoms, white as snow, exude pure elegance and an intoxicating fragrance. [Photo/Shuozhou News Network]

Prime flower-viewing spots: 

Taiyuan (Beilin Park; Nanzhai Park)

Jincheng (Children's Park)

Best flower-viewing period: Late March

Apricot blossoms

Apricot blossoms are the inspiration to many romantic poems. [Photo/Taiyuan Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Prime flower-viewing spots: 

Lyuliang (Fenjiu Cultural Scenic Area)

Datong (The Great Wall Fortress of Shoukoubao)

Shuozhou (Youyu county)

Xinzhou (Zhaojiazhuang village, Fanshi county)

Taiyuan (Wanbailin Ecological Park)

Yuncheng (Xiaxian county)

Jincheng (Yanli township, Yangcheng county)

Best flower-viewing period: March to April

Cole flowers

Immerse yourself in the golden sea of cole flowers. [Photo/Shanxi News Network]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Datong (Yanggao county)

Xinzhou (Pianguan Great Wall)

Yuncheng (Zhongtiao Mountain in Yongji; Shipengou in Hengshui town, Jiangxian county)

Linfen (Taizitan in Quwo county)

Jincheng (Nanling village, Zezhou county)

Best flower-viewing period: March to April

Winter jasmine blossoms

Winter jasmines sway gracefully, shining with golden hues. [Photo/Taiyuan Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Taiyuan (Xuefu Park; Beilin Park; Wenying Park)

Jinzhong (Chang Family Manor)

Changzhi (Xier River Scenic Area in Licheng county)

Best flower-viewing period: March to April

Peach blossoms

Vibrant peach blossoms are a floral favorite in spring. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Datong (Taohua Mountain in Lingqiu county)

Taiyuan (Taohuagou)

Yangquan (Taolingou Scenic Area)

Lyuliang (North Wudang Mountain Scenic Area)

Linfen (Hejiazhuang Thousand-mu Peach Orchard)

Jincheng (Shiyuan village, Beiliu town, Yangcheng county)

Best flower-viewing period: March to May

Bauhinia flowers

Bauhinia flowers bloom with layers of petals, like dancing butterflies. [Photo/Ruicheng Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Shuozhou (Zijing Mountain)

Taiyuan (Taiyuan Forest Park)

Linfen (Hongtong Dahuaishu Ancestor Memorial Garden)

Yuncheng (Yongle Palace)

Best flower-viewing period: March to May

Forsythia flowers

Forsythia flowers look majestic. [Photo/Shanxi News Network]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Changzhi (Xier River Scenic Area; Jinshan Yinshan Sightseeing Road; Tongtian Gorge)

Linfen (Xiandonggou; Xiangshan Forsythia Theme Park)

Yuncheng (Ziyun Temple)

Best flower-viewing period: Mid-March to May

Begonia flowers

Begonia flowers have been admired by countless literati and poets since ancient times. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Taiyuan (Longtan Park; Yumen River Park)

Datong (Xichengqiang Haitang Park)

Best flower-viewing period: April

Tulips

Elegant tulips stand like proud princesses. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Taiyuan (Yingze Park; Jinyang Lake Park; Taiyuan Botanical Garden)

Jinzhong (Hongya Canyon Scenic Area in Lingshi county) 

Best flower-viewing period: April to May

Chinese herbaceous peonies

Chinese herbaceous peonies are known as flower fairies, because of their grace and beauty. [Photo/Shanxi News Network]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Taiyuan (Jinci Park; Yifen Park)

Linfen (Puxian Wetland Park; Sang'e Peony Park)

Yuncheng (Dianshang village in Wenxi county; Chenzhang village in Pinglu county)

Best flower-viewing period: April to May

Cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms are a highlight of the April flower-viewing season. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Datong (Huayan Temple)

Taiyuan (Yuquan Mountain Forest Park; Wenying Park; Heping Park) 

Yuncheng (Xiyaogou Folk Village in Hejin; Duiyun Cave Scenic Area; Shundi Park) 

Jincheng (the House of the Huangcheng Chancellor; Baimasi Mountain Forest Park)

Best flower-viewing period: April to May

Pear blossoms

The warm breeze spreads pear blossom petals across cities like a flurry of falling snow. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Xinzhou (Yuanping)

Linfen (Chinese Pear Garden in Xixian county)

Jinzhong (Qixian county; the Ancient City of Pingyao)

Yuncheng (Pear Culture Theme Park)

Best flower-viewing period: April to May

Peonies

Peonies are praised nationally for their beauty. [Photo/Shanxi News Network]

Prime flower-viewing spots:

Taiyuan (Yongzuo Temple; Yingze Park; Jinci Park)

Linfen (Peony Cultural Scenic Area in Guxian county; Zhaocheng Peony Park)

Xinzhou (Dalongmen Scenic Area)

Jinzhong (Xiazhou Ancient Village)

Yuncheng (Shengtian Lake Scenic Area)

Best flower-viewing period: April to June