Every year, the explosion of cherry blossoms heralds the arrival of spring in most of China. Aside from its stunning beauty, the blooming flower also has enormous economic potential.
A girl poses for a photograph against a blossoming cherry tree in Wuhan University.
Because of its extending pink sea of cherry blossoms every spring, Wuhan City in central China's Hubei Province has become synonymous with the cherry blossom. Every year, millions of tourists visit the city, bringing with them big money. Wuhan's tourism revenue exceeded 316.3 billion yuan in 2018, up 12.4 percent year on year, according to the city's tourism authority. Wuhan University launched a 12-day cherry blossom live stream last year, which received 750 million views.
Cherry trees in blossom on the campus of Wuhan University.
Cherry bloom.
The hotel and food industries benefit as more people visit during the flowering season. Furthermore, a wide range of cherry blossom-themed products have been developed to shine a spotlight on the flora craze. It is expected that the flower and seedling industry with Wuhan characteristics will become a new growth point in the future, boosting the local economy.
Cherry flower.
The image of this old industrial city has been refreshed with a new look as cherry blossoms become more popular. A look that harmonizes nature, city building, and culture.
(All photos via VCG)
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