Spring Has (Finally) Arrived! Here’s Where to Find Blossoms in Beijing

      With the high temperatures from this past weekend, it’s clear that spring has arrived in the capital, and if you've recently been outside, you may have noticed that Beijing's blossoms are starting to bloom. It’s the ideal time to witness cherry blossoms, which typically flower at the end of March and the beginning of April. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best spots in Beijing to enjoy the blossoms.

      Yuyuantan Park

      Situated in western Beijing, Yuyuantan Park is the top destination to see cherry blossoms, as it hosts its annual cherry blossom festival. In the center of the park lies a large lake bordered by pink cherry blossoms, with the CCTV Tower providing a picturesque backdrop perfect for Instagram photos.

      However, be aware: the park becomes very crowded during peak season when the Cherry Blossom Festival—one of Beijing's three major flower festivals—is underway, so you might have to compete for space to capture that perfect selfie in the blossoms. This year’s festival runs now through mid-April. (When I visited a few years back toward the end of cherry blossom season, it was busy but manageable, although there were fewer blossoms.)

      Yuyuantan Park 玉渊潭公园

      10 Xisanhuan Lu, Haidian District 海淀区西三环10号

      Opening times: Until May 31 – 6am-9:30pm (no entry after 9pm); Jun 1-Aug 31 – 6am-10:30pm (no entry after 9:30pm)

      Entry: RMB 10 (RMB 15 during the cherry blossom festival)

      Summer Palace

      The Summer Palace is a great choice to avoid the crowds due to its expansive size. In spring, many blossom trees can be found scattered around the lake, courtyards, and hilltops. This location is also an excellent spot to see magnolia blossoms. Additionally, as you stroll through the park, you can enjoy the delightful fragrance of these beautiful flowers.

      Summer Palace 颐和园

      19 Xinjian Gongmen Lu, Haidian District 海淀区新建宫门路19号

      Opening times: Until Mar 31 – 6am-7pm (no entry after 6pm); Apr 1-Oct 31 – 6am-8pm (no entry after 7pm)

      Entry: RMB 20

      Botanical Gardens

      It's no surprise that Beijing’s Botanical Gardens feature some of the capital's most stunning cherry blossoms. In addition to these, you can enjoy peach blossoms and various other spring flowers like tulips. Don’t miss the Peach Blossom Festival, which occurs annually from April to May and is another of Beijing's major flower festivals.

      Given the vastness of the Botanical Gardens, it’s an ideal spot to escape large crowds and fully enjoy Beijing’s beautiful blooms.

      Botanical Gardens 国家植物园

      Intersection of Xiangshan Lu and Wofosi Lu, Haidian District 海淀区香山路与卧佛寺路交叉口

      Opening times: Until Nov 15 – 6am-9pm (no entry after 8pm); Nov 16-Jan 28 and Feb 5-Mar 15 – 8:30am-5pm (no entry after 4pm); Jan 29-Feb 4 – 8:30am-9pm (no entry after 8pm)

      Entry: RMB 10

      Haitang Huaxi

      Located within The Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park, Haitang Huaxi is one of the top spots to view begonias in Beijing. The begonias bloom around mid-April and there are over 5,000 of them, making this the largest begonia garden in the city. It’s an excellent area for a leisurely walk while enjoying views of the old Yuan Dadu city walls and scenic waterways.

      Haitang Huaxi 海棠花溪

      100A Beitucheng Donglu, Xicheng District (inside Yuan Dadu Ruins Park) 西城区北土城东路甲100号元大都遗址公园内

      Opening times: Open 24 hours

      Entry: Free

      Beihai Park

      For a more centrally located park to enjoy the blossoms, Beihai Park is an excellent choice! Located northwest of the Forbidden City, its relatively large area means it shouldn't feel overly crowded even during the peak blossom season. A wonderful idea is to rent a boat and take in the view of the White Dagoba surrounded by blooms on the Jade Flowery Islet.

      Beihai Park 北海公园

      1 Wenjin Jie, Xicheng District 西城区文津街1号

      Opening times: Until Mar 31 – 6:30am-8pm (no entry after 7:30pm); Apr 1-Oct 31 – 6am-9pm (no entry after 8

Other articles