Japan may claim the fame for cherry blossoms, but the ephemeral pink blooms color many other destinations across the northern hemisphere. Spring in China brings cherry pink—but the varied landscape transforms into a multihued tapestry seen nowhere else. [Read more about cherry blossom traditions in Japan.]
Patterns of cherry, apricot, rapeseed, and azalea flowers stretch across the country. Here’s where to go to see nature’s spectacular show:
Guizhou
Cherry blossoms carpet this southwestern province, known for rolling hills and valleys punctuated by rivers and towering limestone formations. See the 243-foot-high Huangguoshu Waterfall near the city of Anshun, with yellow, white, and purple rapeseed flowers covering the surrounding hillsides.
Shanxi
In northern China on the path of the ancient Silk Road, the Shanxi Province mixes pink and white apricot blossoms. Explore the plateau dotted by age-old cave dwellings, then tour the sprawling old town of Pingyao and Buddhist temple Yungang Grottoes, both listed as the country’s UNESCO World Heritage.
The Great Wall
Stretching more than 5,000 miles, the Great Wall of China was built by first emperor, Qin, who began construction in the 3rd century B.C.
Anhui
Bright red azaleas pop against verdant mountains of Jinzhai County in eastern China. Take a cable car into Huangshan peaks for a bird’s-eye view of the perennials, then explore the surrounding villages with well-preserved Huizhou regional architecture.
- Nat Geo Expeditions
Shanghai
Sticking to the city? Gucun Forest Park hosts an annual blossom festival from mid-March to mid-April, drawing selfie-posing crowds to wander among the buds. See cherry trees from all over the country in one place by strolling through the Shanghai Botanical Gardens.
