The rhododendrons on Linping Mountain Photo: Xia Yang
Hangzhou Discovery
By Zhu Jingning Jin Yingying
Rhodora! If the sages ask thee why
This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
tell them, dear, that if eyes were made for seeing,
Then beauty is its own excuse for Being...
The appeal of rhododendrons described in Ralph Emerson's poem can be sensed as spring's most captivating spectacle in Hangzhou. Flowers have now burst into vibrant life, adorning the landscape with their brilliant colors.
Enjoy springtime on the way
From Shuguang Road to Lingyin Hejian Bridge, there are nearly 10,000 rhododendrons blooming on both sides of the road and the lane separator, stretching for 3 kilometers.
West Wenyi Road, a stand-out site for rhododendron enthusiasts, is renowned for its 5-kilometer stretch of flowering brilliance. Here, flowers in breathtaking shades of pink and purple bloom in the central medians and along the sidewalks.
Meanwhile, Liangzhu Avenue dazzles with its gorgious display. The road lined with fully blooming rhododendrons have portrayed the avenue with showy strokes of red and pink, adding a touch of whimsy to the everyday commute.
Explore the living Monet masterpiece
The rhododendrons on Linping Mountain have recently burst into a riotous bloom, painting the slopes in a spectacle akin to a living Monet masterpiece. At Linping Mountain Park, a 50,000-square-meter rhododendron sanctuary boasting over 300 varieties will continue to thrive with their vibrant hues until late April.
The Guanshan Park located at the entrance of the Hangzhou-Huizhou Expressway into Yuhang, has an impressive 17,000 square meters of rhododendrons in full bloom. With over 15 different varieties, the park has created a visual treat that beckons travelers to enjoy the view.
For people seeking an even more immersive experience, Pingtiantang, the peak of Luniaoshan Mountain, will be a good choice. Each year, from mid-April to early May, the hills are covered with miles of wild rhododendrons, culminating in a breathtaking red blanket of the landscape. The fullest bloom expected to be around April 25, will promise a particularly spectacular display.