Cherry blooms early for Baoshan festival
A visitor takes photo of the early cherry blossoms at Gucun Park in Baoshan District.
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Gucun Park in Baoshan District will start on March 15 and run until the middle of April.
The more than 12,000 cherry trees of 90 species in the park, the largest in the city, 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.
More species have been planted this year which bloom at different times to allow visitors to enjoy the blossom throughout the monthlong festival, said Zhang Zhong, general manager with the park.
The park has five attractions near the entrances to the park. The Suburban Forest Zone, for instance, has nearly 4,000 pink, yellow and green blossom trees covering 130,000 square meters, which are expected to fully bloom in late March.
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 to make new friends.
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.
