As the new year begins, signs of early spring are already emerging in Kunming, known as the “Spring City.” The 30th “Seeking Plum Blossoms at Dragon Spring (Longquan)” Exhibition has officially opened at Black Dragon Pool Park in Kunming. The park’s wintersweet blossoms are now in full bloom, glowing in a brilliant golden hue, while some early-blooming plum varieties have quietly begun to unfurl their buds. This rare overlap allows visitors to enjoy wintersweet and early plum blossoms at the same time. As a renowned plum blossom specialty garden in Southwest China and one of the “Eight Traditional Scenic Views of Kunming,” the park is set to usher in a two months of the magnificent “Sea of Fragrant Snow,” a famed seasonal scene created when vast groves of plum trees burst into full bloom.

One visitor said, “I come to the exhibition several times every year to enjoy the plum blossoms. This season, the wintersweet is in bloom, and to my surprise, the red plum blossoms have also begun to flower. Seeing the blossoms always puts me in a great mood.” Another visitor noted that the potted plum blossoms near the park entrance are currently at their best, while the plum groves in the mountainous areas are expected to take another 20 days or so to fully bloom.

Currently, the wintersweet at Black Dragon Pool Park is at its best for viewing, while plum blossoms across the park are still in the early stages of bloom. From around January 10, the plum blossoms are expected to gradually reach their peak, forming a more concentrated floral display.

As part of this year’s plum blossom exhibition, the park is not only showcasing a wide variety of plum blossoms, but also hosting a range of cultural activities. Visitors can explore a plum blossom culture exhibition to learn about the flower’s history, cultural significance, and cultivation techniques. In addition, a series of events—including plum blossom–themed calligraphy and painting exhibitions, photography exhibitions, a cultural and creative market, and a themed “Time Post Office,” where visitors can write letters to their future selves—are being held to further enrich the visitor experience.

According to park officials, the plum blossom viewing season at Black Dragon Pool Park will continue through February 28. The park recommends that residents and visitors plan their visits on clear, sunny days to experience Kunming’s unique winter floral landscape and urban charm.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Doe, Rachel)