Flowers are not the only sign of life that come with the spring thaw, as the warmer weather has also brought a blossoming of tourism to China. Last week, the Beijing municipal government released a list of 192 areas in the capital where spring blooms, including peach, magnolia, apricot and winter jasmine, can be enjoyed from March to May.

The recommended spots cover an area of 22 square kilometers, according to the city's gardening and urban greening department. Nearly 100 cultural events such as folklore performances and botany exhibitions will also be held during this period.

Elsewhere, the tourism department of central China's Hubei province has picked 20 travel routes for tourists looking to appreciate floral beauty in the countryside.

The routes range from convenient spots in the suburbs to astonishing views in remote mountains, said Zhou Zhengsu, deputy director of the provincial tourism department.

High-speed "flower express" trains have also started running in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to help tourists on their spring outings.

Nearly 2,000 people took the express train to enjoy apricot flowers in Turpan last weekend, while others traveled to the Xinjiang city by intercity bus or car.

"We have mobilized departments to serve incoming tourists and make sure they have a pleasant stay in Turpan," said Chen Shuguo, head of the local tourism department.

A travel agency in the eastern city of Wuxi in Jiangsu province said that high-speed trains to scenic spots famous for spring flowers have become a hit in recent weeks. Tour packages offer journeys spanning from three to five days at prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yuan ($150-300).

The upcoming Tomb Sweeping Day holiday, which will be observed from April 2 to 4 this year, will be prime time for plant-loving tourists to catch rapeseed flowers in bloom, said Zhang Liang, manager of the travel agency.

Farmers in Wuyuan, a county in East China's Jiangxi province famed for its terraced fields of rapeseed flowers, will welcome tourists into guesthouses and restaurants, which have become their main source of income.

In neighboring Hunan province, millions of yuan has been invested in planting rapeseed flowers at a local scenic spot in Zhangjiajie City. Both foreign and domestic tourists have joined photographers and wedding photoshoots in the area this month.

According to the provincial government, roughly 400,000 tourists made "flower trips" in the first quarter of the year, generating revenue of more than 100 million yuan.

Meanwhile, a 53-hectare cherry blossom park is set to open in Meishan city, Sichuan province, featuring six km of river bank planted with cherry trees. Tens of thousands of flowering cherry trees of more than 20 varieties will be planted in the park over the next two years.

A monthlong festival celebrating peonies will also be held starting April 5 in Central China's Luoyang, a city that has been growing the flowers for more than 1,500 years.

The iconic blossom, which has a rich history and tradition in China, is still little known to foreign visitors, according to an event organizer.

"China's flower tourism has huge potential, but it has to look beyond immediate gains and give due attention to the environment. We have to learn to combine our various flowers with distinctive cultural elements," said Li Tianshu, director of Hua Yuan Travel Company.

(China Daily 03/25/2016 page7)