A grand celebration for spring has just begun! The 3rd Beijing Chaoyang Garden Festival and the 15th Olympic Forest Park Flower Viewing Season - Spring Flower Festival recently kicked off at the Olympic Forest Park on March 15. From now until May, spring flowers of more than 30 species, such as Chinese wild peach, flowering plum, crabapple, cherry, tulip and rapeseed will all be in full bloom. Besides greeting flowers while taking strolls through gardens and parks, you can also shop at specialty markets, as well as take part in some cultural and sports activities.

In the northern area of the Olympic Forest Park, you'll encounter some Chinese wild peach flowers blooming in the Peach Blossom Valley (桃花谷), which contrast sharply with winter jasmine and magnolia flowers that have just opened their petals on branches. 

Choose the Peach Blossom Valley as your first stop. When the Chinese wild peach trees across the valley come into full bloom, there will be a spectacular expanse of pink blossoms that mirrors the gentle beauty of spring. Scenic spots, such as the Ecological Bridge (生态廊道桥) and Linquan Gaozhi (林泉高致), are surrounded by flowers and trees, making them ideal places for strolling, sightseeing and relaxation.

The park is also presenting a variety of spring-themed goods and interactive experiences, adding more fun to your park tours.

An event-exclusive market was opened in the Peach Blossom Valley on March 14, which will open until March 22, bringing together a diverse mix of specialty foods and fancy cultural souvenirs including handicrafts. Traditional folk activities are also scheduled. You can try some seasonal delicacies beside blooming flowers, pick your favorite handicrafts, and even learn about making traditional handicrafts.

In addition, this year's Spring Flower Festival further integrates a range of supporting activities, to make the park an all-in-one place for spring outings. Whether you're a local or a tourist from elsewhere, everyone can have fun.

After strolling through the blossoms, you can head to the National Tennis Center for a tennis match and feel the seasonal energy through sports. Want to test your limits? Go to the Beijing Top Climbing Gym (北顶奥森攀岩馆) for the excitement of rock climbing. Families with children may visit Moncy Club (萌溪乐园) or Let's Go (乐仕堡) for a fun-filled trip. Later, you can take a relaxing break at Grid Coffee, enjoying a cup of coffee next to blooming flowers and lush greenery while immersing yourself in the park's leisurely atmosphere.

This year's Spring Flower Festival will span the entire spring season at the Olympic Forest Park. The Chinese wild peach blossoms are for March, the vibrant crabapple and cherry blossoms are for April, and the golden rapeseed flower fields will dazzle you in May.

Meanwhile, this year's Beijing Chaoyang Garden Festival will also roll out a series of themed activities across different parks and during different periods throughout the year. Following the 15th Spring Flower Festival of the Olympic Forest Park in March, April will see the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Crabapple Blossom Creek Life Festival of Beixiaohe Park, the 26th Crabapple Flower Stream Festival of Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Park, the Lilac Flower Sea Qingming Outing Festival of Qingfeng Park, and the 2nd Peach Blossom Festival of Tuanjiehu Park. In May, Dawangjing Park will host an education program focusing on the scientific facts of Chinese roses, while the Beijing Wenyuhe Park will present its Rapeseed Flower Season. July will welcome the Lotus Culture Festival at Honglingjin Park. From September to October, you can join the Golden Autumn Garden Fair at Ritan Park as well as the Sunflower Season at the Beijing Wenyuhe Park. 

Together, these events invite you to embark on a delightful floral journey through the city.

(Sources: Beijing Youth Daily; Beijing Chaoyang)