Wuhan packs plenty of flower power

Every day at this time of year, more than 15,000 people flood into Wuhan University of Central China's Hubei province, eager to enjoy the bountiful cherry blossoms during the country's short and enchanting spring.

The university used to get more than 100,000 visitors a day when the cherry trees on the campus bloom, but that overwhelming traffic has been limited: now, only 15,000 visitors are allowed to enter the campus each day after registration.

Sakura, or cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan. China's cultivation of cherry blossom dates back to the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-220 AD) dynasties.