Cherry blooms earlier for Shanghai's Baoshan festival

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The annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Gucun Park in Shanghai's Baoshan District will start on March 15 and run until the middle of April.

More than 12,000 cherry trees of 90 species in the park, the largest of its kind in the east China metropolis, have started blooming, a week earlier than usual due to the warm winter.

About 100,000 people are expected to visit the park on peak days with most expected in late March when the cherries will be in full bloom.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival will start on March 15 at Gucun Park, Baoshan District, Shanghai, east China. /VCG Photo

More species have been planted this year, blooming at different times to allow visitors to enjoy the blossom throughout the month-long festival, said Zhang Zhong, general manager of the park.

The park has five attractions near the park's entrances. The Suburban Forest Zone, for instance, has nearly 4,000 pink, yellow and green blossom trees covering an area of 130,000 square meters, which are expected to fully bloom in late March.

More than 12,000 cherry trees in the park have started blooming in Gucun Park due to the warmer weather in Shanghai, east China. /VCG Photo

Cultural events

There will be photography and poetry competitions, as well as a poll to select the most beautiful trees. A matchmaking event will also be held. Single visitors can visit a wooden pavilion behind the cherry flower area, where they can take part in games and make new friends.

A female running competition held at last year's festival, March 11, 2018. /VCG Photo

Other activities, such as traditional Chinese opera, fashion shows and martial arts performances will be held in the park every weekend during the festival. Visitors will be invited to try making local pastry named tianhua tulu (sky flower and jade dewdrop). The process of making it has been revived by masters in Baoshan District.

The admission fee is 20 yuan (3 U.S. dollars) for adults.

Source(s): Shanghai Daily