Spring blossoms and culture unite at Lixia's Wulongtan cherry festival

Visitors capture spring memories under blooming cherry blossoms at Wulongtan Park. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_6caf012153b6]

Wulongtan Park in Jinan's Lixia district has transformed into a pastel wonderland as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a highlight of the city's 4th Flower Festival (Huazhao jie), celebrating the birthday of flowers, opened in full splendor. Thousands of cherry trees, now blanketed in pale pink blossoms, frame the park's tranquil ponds and pavilions, creating scenes straight out of a classical Chinese painting. Petals drift onto the water's surface, rippling beneath bridges where visitors pause to admire the harmony between nature and culture.

Visitors enjoy a lively band performance on the lawn of Wulongtan Park. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_6caf012153b6]

The festival is more than just a floral spectacle – it's a cultural celebration. A market buzzes with activity, offering handicrafts from local intangible cultural heritage artisans, cherry-inspired desserts, and creative tea blends. Weekends come alive with ''Slow Time Concerts'', where classical melodies and rock anthems echo beneath blooming boughs. Traditional performances, including face-changing opera and magical acts, add bursts of energy to the serene landscape.

Visitors gather for a vibrant folk performance at Wulongtan Park. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_6caf012153b6]

This year, the park's resident ducks have stolen hearts online, paddling playfully in crystal-clear springs that reflect Jinan's ecological ethos. Visitors can also sip freshly brewed tea from local springs while watching petals fall or admire ancient aesthetics at the hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) styling stations.

Interactive activities like a cherry-themed stamp hunt encourage exploration, with hidden cultural clues scattered across the park. ''Every corner here tells a story – of nature, history, and joy,'' said a visitor from Beijing.

Running until late April, the Wulongtan Cherry Blossom Festival invites travelers to slow down, savor spring's fleeting beauty, and weave their own memories into Jinan's floral tapestry. (Edited by Li Qiaoxingzi)