Hidden Sakura Paradise: Best places to catch cherry blossoms in China 2025
Cherry blossom season is one of the dreamiest times of the year, and while Japan and South Korea often hog the spotlight, we'll let you in on a little secret — China has its own incredible sakura scene, and it’s gorgeous.
Picture this: ancient temples framed by fluffy pink blooms, tranquil lakes reflecting a sea of petals, and vibrant city parks bursting with color. It’s like walking into a fairytale, but with fewer crowds and so much more to discover.
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From the historic charm of Beijing to the cosmopolitan beauty of Shanghai, and even the subtropical blooms of Xiamen and Shenzhen, there’s something magical waiting for you in every corner of the country.
In this guide, we’ll spill the tea on the 2025 cherry blossom forecast, the best sakura spots in China, and a few tips to help you make the most of your trip. Trust us — this is one adventure you won’t want to miss! 🌸
Cherry Blossom in China
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While cherry blossoms (sakura) are often associated with Japan, they also hold cultural significance in China, though their symbolism may differ slightly.
In Chinese culture, cherry blossoms symbolize love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life, much like in other East Asian cultures. They’re also associated with feminine strength and beauty, reflecting grace, perseverance, and resilience.
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Cherry blossom season in China is more than just a visual treat — it’s a celebration of spring and renewal.
Many cities host vibrant flower festivals, where you can enjoy cultural performances, tea ceremonies, and even traditional dances under a canopy of pink blooms. In places like Wuhan’s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, night-time sakura illuminations add a dreamy touch to the festivities.
Foodies are in for a treat too! Seasonal delicacies like cherry blossom-themed desserts, sakura tea, and colorful spring rolls often make an appearance at these events.
China Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025
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The cherry blossom viewing season in China usually extends from the middle of February until the beginning of May.
Compared to Japan and Korea, where cherry blossoms have a shorter blooming period, China’s prolonged bloom season offers greater flexibility for scheduling trips. Typically, these blooming periods span about two weeks with peak bloom presenting the most breathtaking sights.
Various cities across China experience different times when you can observe cherries in full flourish. For instance, early April is considered optimal in Beijing whereas Shanghai often sees its prime from mid-March through mid-April — making it crucial that travelers tailor their visit timings based on regional peak seasons for seeing cherry blossoms in full glory.
Stay tuned for the forecasted flowering and full bloom dates — we'll be updating this article once it's out!
City | Yearly Average Flowering Date |
|---|---|
Beijing (北京) | 31 March |
Chengdu (成都) | 17 March |
Chongqing (重庆) | 16 March |
Dali (大理) | 5 March |
Guilin (桂林) | 6 March |
Harbin (哈尔滨) | 22 April |
Hangzhou (杭州) | 20 March |
Jinan (济南) | 22 March |
Kunming (昆明) | 3 May |
Nanjing (南京) | 19 March |
Shanghai (上海) | 22 March |
Shenzhen (深圳） | 7 March |
Wuhan (武汉) | 18 March |
Xi’an (西安) | 22 March |
Xiamen (厦门） | 5 March |
Best Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in China
Beijing Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Beijing is home to some of the most stunning cherry blossom spots in China. The city’s parks and historical sites offer a perfect backdrop for cherry blossom viewing. Yuyuantan Park and Jingshan Park are two of the most popular locations, each offering a unique experience.
Beijing Cherry Blossom Forecast: Early April is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Beijing, making it an ideal destination for flower enthusiasts.
1) Yuyuantan Park (玉渊潭公园)
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In Beijing, Yuyuantan Park serves as a sanctuary for cherry blossom admirers, boasting an impressive assembly of over 2,000 cherry trees. There are over 20 species of cherry trees, including the indigenous Yunnan Cherry Trees and imported Japanese Cherry Trees.
The park becomes a spectacular tapestry of pink and white as the blossoms typically unfurl from March 29 to April 13 each year.
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Yuyuantan Park’s diverse collection of cherry trees promises visitors a splendid array of hues and staggered flowering times. This tranquil oasis provides not only idyllic paths for relaxing walks, but also stunning backdrops within its cherry garden that are ideal for those keen on capturing their beauty in photographs.
Entry fee: 10 RMB
Opening hours: 6 AM – 9:30 PM, Last entry 9 PM (January to May, September to December). 6 AM – 10:30 PM, Last entry 9:30 PM (June to August)
Address: No. 10, West 3rd Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing
2) Jingshan Park (景山公园)
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Jingshan Park is another top location in Beijing to admire cherry blossoms. Typically reaching full bloom between late March and early April, the park’s cherry trees draw crowds who wish to revel in their beauty. Visitors can enjoy a mix of cherry blossoms alongside other spring flowers — plum blossoms, lilac flowers, moutan peonies and more!
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The park is situated just north of the Forbidden City, providing stunning panoramic views from its highest point. Visitors can enjoy both the cherry blossoms and the historic architecture of the Forbidden City from this vantage point.
Entry fee: 10 RMB
Opening hours: 6 AM – 9 PM, Last entry 8:30 PM (April to October), 6:30 AM – 8 PM, Last entry 7:30 PM (November to March)
Address: No. 44 Jingshan West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China, 100009
Planning to visit Beijing this cherry blossom season? Check out our Beijing travel guides:
Shanghai Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
The cherry blossoms in Shanghai are a sight to behold, and there’s no better place to soak in their beauty than at Gucun Park and Century Park.
Shanghai’s cherry blossom season typically peaks between mid-March and mid-April, making it the perfect time to visit. With trees in full bloom and the city bathed in soft pink hues, it’s a magical experience you won’t want to miss.
Klook Tip: Visit Shanghai and Beijing on the same trip — it's just 4.5 hours by high-speed rail!
3) Gucun Park (顾村公园)
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Gucun Park is home to an impressive collection of 10,000 cherry blossom trees, featuring a variety of 28 cherry tree species — making it one of the largest cherry blossom sites in Shanghai!
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The best time to view the cherry blossoms here is from March 11 to April 15. The annual Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival held at Gucun Park is a highlight, offering family-friendly activities such as the Children’s Forest Carnival and various leisure activities. You can also enjoy a Ferris wheel and various themed photo spots throughout the park!
Entry fee: 20 RMB
Opening hours: 6 AM to 6 PM, last entry 4:30PM
Address: No. 4788 Hutai Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China, 201906
4) Century Park (世纪公园)
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Century Park presents a serene backdrop for the viewing of cherry blossoms — an excellent location for both photography enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing stroll. The cherry blossoms typically bloom from mid-March to early April. The park features several varieties of cherry trees, including the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura.
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The calm atmosphere and artfully designed gardens of the park complement the beauty of the cherry blossoms perfectly. For anyone aiming to take striking photographs or wishing to spend a tranquil day surrounded by blooms, Century Park stands out as an essential destination in Shanghai.
Entry fee: 10 RMB
Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Address: No. 1001 Jinxiu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Start planning your trip to Shanghai:
Wuhan Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
With more than 10,000 cherry trees adorning its gardens, Wuhan is celebrated as one of China’s most extensive destinations for cherry blossom viewing. The city boasts several key locations to enjoy the blossoms’ splendor, such as Wuhan University and East Lake Cherry Blossom Park – each offering a distinct and stunning spectacle.
5) Wuhan University (武汉大学)
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The campus of Wuhan University is home to roughly 1,000 cherry blossom trees, making a popular spot to experience cherry blossoms. Visit between March 15th through March 27th when these blooms reach their peak vibrancy!
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It's free to enter Wuhan University — but you'll have to make reservations at least three days in advance to guarantee entry.
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon – Fri), 8 AM – 6 PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: 299 Bayi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, China
6) East Lake Cherry Blossom Park (东湖樱花园)
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Another popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Wuhan is East Lake Cherry Blossom Park — just a 16-minute drive from Wuhan University. The initial planting of Japanese cherry trees in the area near Wuhan University occurred during the Japanese Army's occupation of Wuhan.
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Spread across a generous area exceeding 260 hectares, this park features an assortment of over 30 distinct cherry blossom varieties. A highlight of the park is the “Seventy-Eight Cherry Blossom Pavilion,” which is adorned with 78 cherry trees. This serves as a commemoration of the signing of the China-Japan Friendship Treaty in 1978.
Entry fee: 60 RMB
Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM (Opening hours extended to 10 PM during Cherry Blossom Festival)
Address: 118 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Other Notable Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in China
Beyond the bustling urban centers, China boasts an array of remarkable destinations known for their cherry blossom displays. These sites provide exceptional and breathtaking scenes that merit exploration.
Among the premier locations are Dalian’s Longwangtang Cherry Blossom Park, Zhangping’s Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden, and Qingdao’s Zhongshan Park. Each offers a distinct experience amidst the beauty of cherry blossoms.
7) Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden, Zhangping (永福樱花茶旅景区)
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Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden is one of China's top cherry blossom destinations, popular among photographers.
There are over 100,000 cherry trees of over 40 varieties — including Feihan, Yunnan, Yoshino, and Fujian mountain cherries — spread across 50,000 acres! This diversity means that the park enjoys a prolonged blooming period from late January to mid-March, due to the different blooming periods among varieties.
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What makes this garden special its located on a tea plantation, adding to the picturesque setting. Be sure to stop by Cherry Blossom Avenue — a scenic pathway lined with sakura trees. The park also features a pink train that offers rides through the cherry blossom areas, making it a fun experience for families and children.
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Entry fee: 50 RMB
Opening hours: 8 AM – 9 PM
Address: Taipin Cherry Blossom Garden, Yongfu Town, Zhangping, Fujian Province, China
8) Longwangtang Cherry Blossom Park, Dalian (龙王塘樱花园)
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The tranquil Longwangtang Cherry Blossom Park in Dalian, renowned for its exquisite display of over 3,000 white and pink cherry blossoms is an idyllic spot for picnics and family gatherings. The park is also known to have 10 century-old cherry trees as well as a 100-year-old magnolia tree from Osaka!
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Longwangtang Cherry Blossom Park has a history dating back to World War II — it's located near Longwangtang Dam, which was built by the occupying Japanese in 1921 during their colonial rule in Dalian. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the dam, or pack a picnic and admire the cherry blossoms!
Entry fee: 20 RMB
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Address: No.1 Guoshuixi Road, Lushunkou District, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
9) Zhongshan Park, Qingdao (中山公园)
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Famed for its collection of over 20,000 cherry trees along a 660-meter-long Cherry Blossom Avenue, Qingdao’s Zhongshan Park is an idyllic setting for those seeking to revel in the beauty of cherry blossom season. Besides cherry blossoms, visitors can enjoy tulips and other seasonal flowers throughout the park.
The park also features Sun Wen Lotus Pond, which symbolizes the friendship between China and Japan. The best time to visit Zhongshan Park to see cherry blossoms is from late March to early May.
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Accessible around the clock without any entry cost, Zhongshan Park welcomes everyone who wishes to partake in this seasonal delight. The dazzling array of both tulips and cherry blossoms crafts a picturesque tapestry that beckons photographers and casual walkers alike with its allure.
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: No. 28 Wendeng Road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China
Tips for Visiting China during Cherry Blossom Season
1) Download these essential apps
Before any trip to China, make sure you've downloaded must-have apps like WeChat (for payment and communication) as well as Didi Chuxing (China's version of Uber).
2) Check the blooming periods
Cherry blossoms in China typically bloom from mid-February to early May, with peak viewing generally occurring from mid-March to early April. Check specific local bloom times for your chosen destination to ensure you visit during peak season!
3) Avoid the crowds (when you can)
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If possible, visit on weekdays rather than weekends to escape the larger crowds that gather during peak viewing times. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the blossoms in a quieter atmosphere. This is also the best time for photography, as the light is softer.
Hoping to catch more cherry blossoms this season? Check out our Sakura guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in China in 2025?
To catch the cherry blossoms in China in 2025, aim for mid-February to early May, with early April being perfect for Beijing and mid-March to mid-April for Shanghai.
Are there any festivals during cherry blossom season in China?
Absolutely! The Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival at Gucun Park is a must-see, packed with fun activities for the whole family during cherry blossom season.
What should I expect during the cherry blossom season in China?
During cherry blossom season in China, expect packed parks with amazing festive vibes, traditional costumes, family events, and yummy sakura-themed treats.
What are some notable cherry blossom viewing locations in China?
Some awesome spots for cherry blossom viewing in China are Yuyuantan Park and Jingshan Park in Beijing, Gucun Park and Century Park in Shanghai, and East Lake Cherry Blossom Park in Wuhan.
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