Cherry Blossom Viewing Optimum This Weekend

"Earth laughs in flowers,” an ode to the supremacy of Mother Nature and penned by American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, which may explain why we humans are but infatuated with her gift of blossoms, especially spectacularly in the coming days. Yes, that's right, you don't have to fly all the way to Japan for your share of sakura hanami (flower viewing), only as far as Yuyuantan Park.

On March 17, Yuyuantan Park announced that they will this year embrace the earliest cherry blossom season since 2012, according to Beijing Morning Post. Located in Haidian District and near CCTV Tower and Military Museum, Yuyuantan Park boasts 2,400 cherry trees and over 30 varieties, a number of which (180 trees to be exact) were given by Japan back in 1973 as a diplomatic gift representing peaceful ties between the two countries (should probably give some more).

The flowers started to bloom on March 12, 10 days earlier than usual due to the warmer weather, and will last for the next few weeks. This weekend (Mar 25-26) will be the best time to see the cherry blossoms, during which they will receive 100,000 people per day. To keep you going, the park will also sell some cherry-blossom-related snacks, such as cherry-blossom flavored ice-cream, cherry-blossom egg tarts, and preserved cherry blossoms. The blossoms come in white, light pink, light green, and crimson hues. Expect a selfie extravaganza, and probably not the most peaceful of outings but picturesque all the same.

The cherry garden is located in the northwest of the park. Entry fee is RMB 10. And one last tip: you may want to check the AQI before heading out as blue skies always make for a more stunning blossom shot (if you have the choice).

Yuyuantan Park
RMB 10 during the Cherry Festival. Daily 6am-9.30pm (summer), daily 6.30am-7pm (winter). 10 Xisanhuan Zhonglu, Haidian District (8865 3800) www.yytpark.com
玉渊潭公园：海淀区西三环中路10号

Photos：bj.bendibao.com, cnsjw.cn, toutiao.com

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