Nanjing City, the capital of south China's Jiangsu Province, is a city with a flourishing culture and impressive history. It is famous for being the capital of six dynasties, a city of pain due to the Nanjing Massacre during World War II, and for being a big garden full of flowers. The plum blossom is one of the most famous flowers in Nanjing.

The plum blossom originated around China's Yangtze River, blooming in shades of white, pink and red with a strong fragrance in the harsh winter. Plum blossoms have been cultivated in China for about 3,000 years, starting from the Six Dynasties (222 AD-589 AD) until now. 

Chinese literates loved plum blossoms, hence they wrote countless poems and articles praising the flower's elegance, beauty and perseverance. The most famous plum blossom poem came from politician Wang Anshi during the Song Dynasty (960 AD–1279 AD). He described plum blossoms as "the only ones blooming in the bitter cold."

After World War II, Nanjing recovered gradually while mourning the loss of citizens in the massacre. Survivors fought to return prosperity to the city, similar to the plum blossom, which is fearless of the cold and always holding hope for the spring. Thus, the cultural significance of the plum blossom helped it win the title of Nanjing's city flower in 1982.

Nanjing celebrates the blooming of plum blossoms every February during the International Plum Blossom Festival. The annual event takes place on Plum Flower Hill, providing tourists a breathtaking view of a pink sea of plum blossoms

From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest, China boasts an array of plant species. In this series, we will go on a tour to learn about some of the most representative flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local geography and climate.

Read more:

China's Flora Tour: When pink grass meets China's pop culture

China's Flora Tour: 'Land of Abundance' grows the gorgeous hollyhock

China's Flora Tour: Euphrates poplar – king of the desert

China's Flora Tour: 'King of Flowers' stuns with exquisite beauty

(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Zhang Xuecheng)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)