Spring is now in full swing in Shanghai and the iconic Yoshino cherry blossoms at Chenshan Botanical Garden have reached their peak bloom.

After days of unseasonably warm weather, the garden's famed Cherry Blossom Avenue is now draped in snow-white petals, with branches interlaced with buds and fully opened flowers.

The ethereal scene has drawn crowds of visitors eager to capture the fleeting beauty of the blossoms — a spectacle reminiscent of the visually stunning Japanese anime film 5 Centimeters per Second, which poetically portrays cherry blossoms drifting to the ground at a mesmerizing pace.

The garden's Yoshino cherry blossom season began on March 21, sparking a daily ritual for both visitors and horticulturists to track the progress of the flowers.

By March 25, about 80 percent of the blossoms had unfurled, transforming the avenue into a photographer's paradise. Families picnicked under the canopy of color while enthusiasts wielding long-lens cameras jostled for the perfect shot.

This year's Yoshino cherries have been "impatient" — racing from first bloom to near-full splendor in just five days, according to Yu Lixia, a senior engineer at the botanical garden.

The prime viewing period for Cherry Blossom Avenue is expected to last until early April, while trees near the park's No 1 Gate trolley station may retain their glory through the Qingming Festival holiday.

To enhance the experience, the garden has extended its evening hours until 8 pm in the cherry grove and the Magnolia Garden areas. The Chenshan Cherry Blossom Festival also features themed attractions, including limited-edition sakura coffee, canopy camping, and a bustling cherry blossom market.

The seasonal spectacle has spurred regional tourism partnerships. The Shanghai Sheshan National Tourism Resort is offering dual perks for travelers.

Visitors presenting same-day high-speed train tickets to Songjiang Railway Station can receive a 10-yuan ($1.37) discount on the garden's 60-yuan admission fee, while international tourists can enjoy a 50-yuan rate with passport verification.

The promotion, valid until Dec 31, dovetails with packages offered at the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, inviting visitors to explore Sheshan Resort's full suite of leisure offerings.

Source: Shanghai Songjiang district media center