Messengers of spring, embodiments of beauty, flowers are one of the most amazing wonders on this planet. They appear in literature, food, beverages and decorations that adorn us.

As a new year starts and spring draws nearer day by day, we can look forward to another round of flowers blooming in the following months.

We've highlighted 10 of the most well-known flowers in China that have special significance in Chinese culture.

Plum blossom and a Chinese ink painting of plum blossom. [Photo/VCG; artron.net]

Plum blossom

In Mao Zedong's poem Ode to Plum Blossom, he described the flower like this: "Fair and beautiful. Not craving for spring for her own, only to tell the coming of the season. When all flowers bloom in full, she smiles among them. "

Mao used the plum blossom as a metaphor to praise great martyrs who sacrificed their lives for a better life for Chinese people.

In traditional Chinese culture, plum blossom stands for noble, unsullied and modest qualities. Along with orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, they are praised as the "Four Men of Noble Character".

Plum blossom cake is one the most famous snacks in Nanjing, Suzhou and Wuxi. Made in the shape of plum blossom, the cake is made of sticky rice, jam, nuts and red bean paste.