Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival to kick off

The 2023 Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 15 to April 15 in Baoshan district's Shanghai Gucun Park, the district government announced at a news conference on Wednesday.

Meng Qingyuan, vice-governor of Baoshan district, pointed out that admission to the park will be free for primary, secondary, and college students from the city during the festival.

According to officials, now is the best time of the year to view the Tairyo-zakura (Dayuying in Chinese) and Kawazu-zakura (Hejinying in Chinese) cherry trees. More than 1,500 mu (100 hectares) of cherry trees are now in full bloom alongside tulips, February orchids, and daffodils in the park.

Five themed activities, including exhibitions, art events, Hanfu garden tours, and a women's 10-kilometer race, will be held during the festival. Officials said that this year's race is the first large-scale event held in Baoshan after the epidemic. About 2,500 women will participate in the event.

A themed activity focused on Baoshan's science and technology innovation will also be held on March 25. This activity will include cherry tours and innovation salons.