Flower power in Beijing's Botanical Garden
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The lake behind the Beijing Botanical Garden's Visitor Center is a popular place for couples to relax in the park. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com] |
Visitors can spend plenty of time at the festival strolling along the garden's tree-lined paths, although several activities have been scheduled, including two quirky, unique events. An exhibition of artwork made from peach pits will be held later this month. In addition, lonely singles in Beijing will have a chance to find love in the park. According to Chinese tradition, peaches are associated with "good luck in adventures with women." Singles hoping to harness the romantic power of the peach can attend the park's blind date event for a chance at spring love.
This year's peach blossom festival theme is "A Peach Blossom Garden in the City." Zhao explained that "city" refers to Beijing, and the quote refers to the work of the ancient Chinese poet Tao Yuanming. Tao wrote about people's lives in Utopia in a piece entitled "Notes of the Peach Garden." Now peach blossom gardens are seen as peaceful retreats from the noisy city.
Most of the 3 million visitors to the park each year are Chinese and foreigners who live in Beijing, Zhai said.
"Tourists who come to Beijing mainly focus their attention on the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and Great Wall, and many don't know about the Beijing Botanical Garden," he said.
Few would disagree that the garden provides a serene and relaxing escape from Beijing's increasingly crowded downtown areas, especially with the approaching summer weather. During Beijing's hottest months, the gardens are known to stay a few degrees cooler than the rest of the city. A hike through the garden's Cherry Valley takes visitors into the shade of lofty trees hundreds of years old and along the valley's bustling stream.
Whether you are a flower or photography enthusiast or just seeking some fresh air after a long, dry Beijing winter, a visit to the Botanical Garden for the Peach Blossom Festival can help put some "spring" in your step.
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