Shenzhen in Bloom: Hidden spot to appreciate cherry blossoms
Editor’s note:
Spring is in full swing, which is great news for flower lovers. From adorable trumpet-shaped flowers to delicate cherry blossoms to undulating yellow rapeseed flower carpets, flowering plants adorn Shenzhen all year around, but more prominently in this season. It’s not difficult to find a small sea of flowers in this city with 1,260 parks, and these colorful buds are even ubiquitous along busy streets amid all their hustle and bustle. This series, “Shenzhen in Bloom,” will give a glimpse of these picturesque places to celebrate abundance as well as beauty in the natural world of Shenzhen.
Cherry blossoms mark the beginning of spring with a vibrant and colorful spectacle; what better way to experience spring than by going out and appreciating the fleeting yet romantic flowers? When you visit Xiaosanzhou Greenway in Yantian District, you can do two things at once: hiking and viewing cherry blossoms.
Hidden in Xiaosanzhou Basin, Yantian District, this obscure spot in Shenzhen where you can appreciate the cherry blossoms’ offerings of enchanting scenery amid the fresh air is perfect for both the flowers and for you to bloom.
In Xiaosanzhou, tourists can see different varieties of cherry blossoms including Zhongguohong, Canton, Xiaoqiao, the Bell-flower Cherry, and Fugui.
In Shenzhen, cherry blossoms start flowering each year during Spring Festival, and the best viewing time is generally from February to March. The flowering time of a single cherry blossom plant lasts about four to 10 days.
For the convenience of visitors, since Feb. 26 Yantian District is providing a shuttle bus route to tourist destinations such as OCT East, Xiaosanzhou Reservoir and Meishajian.
The newly launched bus route, which extends about 15.5 kilometers, has three stops at Haishan Road, Chaxigu Parking Lot, and Xiaosanzhou Reservoir. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes. The route includes two sections — Section A is from Haishan Road (entrance of Acotown Gulf International Hotel) to Chaxi Valley in OCT East, while Section B is from Chaxi Valley to Xiaosanzhou Reservoir. Single-trip bus fare for Section A is 10 yuan (US$1.4) and Section B 8 yuan.
The bus route operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (going uphill) and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (going downhill). The buses depart on an hourly basis.
Citizens can scan the on-site QR code or access the WeChat miniprogram “京侨巴士” to buy bus tickets.
Recommended viewing spots: Yantianao (盐田坳), and surrounding areas near the Shenzhen Pumped-storage Power Plant (深圳抽水蓄能电站(上水库)周边)
Reminder: For the enjoyment of all visitors, please do not pick the flowers.
A close-up shot of cherry blossoms. Photos by Yang Mei
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Pink flowers add a touch of romance.
Cherry blossoms in Xiaosanzhou.
A sea of cherry blossoms in Xiaosanzhou.
Visitors are trying to get the best shots with the cherry blossoms.
The cherry blossom garden is under Meishajian.
Blooming cherry blossoms against the blue sky.
A view of the Xiaosanzhou Reservior.
Citizens can scan the on-site QR code or access the WeChat miniprogram “京侨巴士” to buy bus tickets.