Spring in Shanghai is a masterpiece of nature, with vibrant flowers in full bloom. For international students in this city, a spring flower viewing tour is a great way to enjoy nature and get immersed in the local culture.

Join us to learn Chinese terms and phrases related to spring flowers and explore various blossoms along with their meanings. Venture beyond the campus and embrace the city's spring charm!

1. Cherry blossoms (樱花, yīng huā)

Symbolic meaning: life (生命, shēng mìng), purity (纯洁, chún jié)

From late March to early April, Shanghai transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of cherry blossoms. Gucun Park in Baoshan district is a prime location to admire (欣赏, xīn shǎng) these blooms, boasting over 10,000 cherry trees that resemble billowy pink clouds of blossoms.

Beyond Gucun Park, the city features other picturesque spots that showcase a variety of cherry blossom species. Check out this guide, which will lead you to the best spots in Shanghai for cherry blossom viewing.

2. Peach blossoms (桃花, táo huā)

Symbolic meaning: luck (幸运, xìng yùn), longevity (长寿, cháng shòu)

Peach blossoms are deeply embedded in traditional Chinese culture, symbolizing the vitality (活力, huó lì) of spring (春天, chūn tiān). Nanhui Peach Blossom Village, located in Huinan town, Pudong New Area, is a focal point of the annual Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival. Every March, the village becomes a pink paradise, with petals (花瓣, huā bàn) swaying gently in the breeze, welcoming visitors from afar.

As you walk through the village, you'll encounter a variety of activities and events, including traditional performances, art exhibitions, and local crafts that highlight the cultural significance of these beautiful blooms.

3. Tulips (郁金香, yù jīn xiāng)

Symbolic meaning: eternity (永恒, yǒng héng), nobility (高贵, gāo guì)

For a European-style flower viewing experience, the tulip exhibition at Shanghai Flower Port in Pudong New Area is a must-see. The millions of tulips blooming under the sun (太阳, tài yáng) resemble a vibrant oil painting coming to life. From the classic vibrant reds and yellows to the more exotic purples, pinks, and whites, the color palette is as diverse as it is breathtaking.

Open until April 24, this event promises not only a visual feast but also a memorable cultural exchange.

4. Rapeseed flowers (油菜花, yóu cài huā)

Symbolic meaning: encouragement (鼓励, gǔ lì), harvest (收获, shōu huò)

In Shanghai's suburbs, the rapeseed flower fields on Chongming Island are a popular springtime destination. A golden (金色, jīn sè) sea of flowers stretches under a vast blue (蓝色, lán sè) sky and white (白色, bái sè) clouds, creating a serene atmosphere. It’s the ideal place to cycle through stunning flower fields and soak up the warm spring sunshine (阳光, yáng guāng).

The blooming period lasts about 30 days, with peak blossoms in early April.

5. Azaleas (杜鹃花, dù juān huā)

Symbolic meaning: moderation (节制, jié zhì), loyalty (忠诚, zhōng chéng)

Azaleas are among China's top 10 most famous flowers, admired for their vibrant colors (颜色, yán sè) and lush blooms. The Shanghai Botanical Garden is an ideal place to appreciate these stunning flowers. Here, you can explore the unique charm of azaleas from various countries and regions, each offering a distinct palette (调色板, tiáo sè bǎn) of colors ranging from deep reds and pinks to soft pastels and pure white.

Embark on this spring flower viewing tour and experience the beauty of nature, while enhancing your Chinese language along the way!

Sources: Official website of Shanghai Bendibao, www.huabaike.com