Spring is in the air in many parts of southern China, with all kinds of flowers in full bloom. The plum blossom is one of them.

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

As a representative of nobility, strength and modesty, the plum blossom became one of the most famous flowers in Chinese culture, dubbed as one of the "Four Gentlemen of Flower" alongside orchids, bamboo and chrysanthemums. The plum blossom is loved by Chinese people because of its beautiful appearance and positive meaning.

The flower once changed the lives of plum farmers in Changxing County of east China's Zhejiang Province. Back in the 1980s, they were on the brink of bankruptcy as the fruit's price was falling due to oversupply. Some of them lost confidence and even cut down the trees for firewood. Until a group of horticultural experts came to help with technologies to graft the fruit tree into ornamental flower trees in 2001.

So far, there are more than 60 kinds of plum blossoms in the area of more than 14 square kilometers, boosting the local tourism. According to the county's government, the plum blossom industry has benefited more than 10,000 rural households, making many farmers' income increase more than 10 times in 10 years.

China in Bloom

Flowering is not just about plants. It's also about how people approach their lives. Today, it has become a popular outdoor activity across China. In some places, watching flowers has been turned into a tourist hotspot and thus an economic drive. As the Two Sessions, the most important political event in a year, is currently underway, CGTN Nature presents a new series China in Bloom to showcase the beauty of the country in spring by introducing some of the most popular flowers in the country as well as the stories of how flowers contribute to people's lives.

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