Cherry (樱花) at "Yu Yuan Tan" Park (玉渊潭). We were too enthusiastic about the spring and only caught a few trees that were flowering eagerly. We did cruise around the lake which satisfied the boys enough. - 3/29/20009
Apricot (杏花) at "Feng Huang Lin" (凤凰岭). Pink/White flowers cover entire hill and down to the valley. Spring air swept through the area with sensuous fragrance of flowers. -4/4/2009
Magnolia (玉兰花) at "Da Jue Temple" (大觉寺). The temple is famous for its 300 years old magnolia tree. RMB500 was a little out of our budget to drink tea under the Magnolia tree. -4/4/2009
Lilac(丁香花) at Fa Yuan Temple (法源寺). Before the famous author Li Ao's novel titled "Beijing Fa Yuan Temple", not many Beijinger is even aware of the temple. Temple was founded during Tang dynasty over 1300 years ago as a memorial to soldiers died during conquering of the northern territory. And throughout the history it never escaped its sad and gloomy aura . Today it serves as a school for Buddahism and a gathering place for literary events. Due to the recent warm weather in Beijing, we probably only caught the tail-end of the bloom. -4/19/2009
Chinese crabapple tree (海棠) at Yuan Da Du City Wall Relics Park (元大都遗址公园). Trees aligned the sides of a narrow canal which was part of the city wall. Paths along canal are newly renovated and beautifully landscaped with trees, bushes, and sculptures. Again we seemed to be late, especially BJ was going through a chill spell with heavy rainfalls. Petals helpless danced about and scattered along the waterway. -4/19/2009
Wisteria(紫藤) at Hong Luo Temple(红螺寺). Park is nicely laid out, a long hike to the peak, magnificent view of hills, valleys, towns below. -4/26/2009
Peach Orchard (桃花）at Ping Gu（平谷）. Supposedly the largest peach orchard in the world with a Guiness World Record of 22 thousand acres of peach trees. I was so, so, so disappointed when we arrived the "sea" raining and finding flowers were mostly gone. Guess we'll have to use our imagination instead.Depressed by fast passing blossoms, I was determined to find another place to go to. We ended up at Jing Dong Canyon (京东大峡谷）after a simple yet delicious meal at a farmer's cafe. The park was filled with hills, lagoons, and waterfalls. Boys enjoyed hiking (~7km), walking tightrope, riding suspended cable carrier, and walking water bubble ball while I enjoyed finding some blooming phoenix trees （泡桐花）. The unique lavender color bell shaped flowers made up some loss for this trip -5/01/2009
Peony (牡丹）flowers at Jing Shan Park（景山公园). The park ground was filled with different peony varieties from China and Japan. My eyes were restless from colors that were vibrantly displayed in every corner. Peony flowers are huge yet exquisite, it perfectly fulfills its destiny as the king of flowers. Lastly the overview of the Forbidden City from the top of the hill is magnificent, totally worth the short climbing.
