Lingfeng Plum Garden Photo：Xia Yang
By Jiang Anzhuo
Hangzhou is transformed into a poetic wonderland of plum blossoms every February. From ancient temples to tranquil lakesides, the city offers a variety of stunning spots to admire this delicate and fragrant flower. Here are the top five spots to explore the enchanting beauty of plum blossoms.
1.Solitary Hill: the legacy of a hermit poet
Location: North of Solitary Hill, near Crane Pavilion
Solitary Hill is where the plum blossoms emanate an air of solitude and elegance. The plum trees here are scattered along the lakeside, totaling around 300 trees. The area around Crane Pavilion, the Lu Xun statue, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion is especially famous for its plum blossoms. The ancient, twisted branches of the plum trees, combined with the serene lake and mountains, create a picturesque scene that perfectly captures the essence of the famous line: “Sparse shadows slant across the clear and shallow water.” Written by Lin Bu (967–1028), a renowned poet of the Northern Song Dynasty known for his seclusive lifestyle, who famously referred to plums as his “wife” and cranes as his “son”, symbolizing his deep affection for both.
2.Chaoshan Mountain: the ancient charm
Location：Chaoshan Scenic Area, Linping District
Chaoshan Mountain is renowned as “China’s First Mountain for Plum Blossoms” and is famous for its “Ten Miles of Plum Blossoms and Fragrant Snow Sea”. It is one of the top three plum blossom viewing spots in the Jiangnan region. The mountain is home to over 10,000 plum trees with more than 40 varieties, including the rare six-petaled plum blossoms that are unique to Chaoshan Mountain. The plum blossom season here typically runs from early February to late March, with the best viewing period falling around the Chinese New Year.
Chaoshan Mountain’s plum blossoms are celebrated for their antiquity, with two ancient plum trees--Tang Plum Tree and Song Plum Tree--that date back over a thousand years. These trees attract countless visitors who come to admire both their historical significance and natural beauty. Chaoshan Mountain also hosts a variety of cultural activities during the plum blossom season, such as traditional handicraft experiences, photography exhibitions, and cultural performances.
3.Plum Blossoms at Lingyin Temple: a spiritual journey
Location: Lingyin Temple Scenic Area
Here, the plum trees are fewer but exceptionally beautiful, with their blossoms adding a touch of elegance to the ancient temple. The plum trees are primarily located in the temple’s courtyard and along the pathways, creating a serene atmosphere where the fragrance of plum blossoms mingles with the chanting of monks.
4.Xianghu Lake: a hidden gem
Location: Xianghu Lake
Xianghu Lake is a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet, picturesque place to enjoy plum blossoms. With over 2,000 plum trees along the lakeside, this area offers a unique experience of viewing the blossoms against the backdrop of a serene lake. Cycling around the lake is highly recommended, especially along Yue Causeway, where you can enjoy the beauty of the plum blossoms reflected in the water. The plum blossoms at Hehua Village, with their pink petals contrasting against ancient architecture, create an enchanting scene.
5.Lingfeng Plum Garden: a sea of blossoms
Location: Hangzhou Botanical Garden
The garden is a must-visit for those who love the grandeur of plum trees in bloom. This area is home to over 5,000 plum trees and more than 100 varieties, making it the largest plum blossom garden in the West Lake area. The blossoms here are concentrated in three main areas: the Longyue Tower, Baimu Luofu, and Pinmeiyuan. The sea of pink and white blossoms creates a breathtaking sight, especially when seen from a distance.