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The myth of the Seven Fairies is a beautiful story, but who knows where they came from? In the classic novel "Journey to the West," the seven fairies are often depicted wearing floral ornaments and carrying flower baskets. Many stories about the Seven Fairies and flowers are also circulated in the human world. If they are related to flowers, what flowers do they guard?
According to legend, Xinghua Village was once called Xinghuawu. Every early spring, apricot blossoms bloom everywhere in and around the village. From a distance, they look like red clouds drifting down from the sky, a truly beautiful sight.
In Xinghuawu, there lived a young man named Shi Di. He was broad-shouldered and round-waisted, with extraordinary arm strength, and he made his living by hunting. One early summer evening, Shi Di, returning from hunting in Zixia Mountain behind the village, was walking through an apricot grove when he suddenly heard a faint sob coming from deep within the grove. He followed the sound and found a woman weeping bitterly against a tree.
The kind-hearted hunter hurriedly inquired about the situation, and the girl tearfully recounted her family history. Shi Di, looking at her innocent face, as pure as apricot blossoms bathed in rain, felt a surge of compassion. He took her back to the village, settled her in a neighboring home, and took care of her daily needs. A few days later, with the help of the villagers, the two married. Their marriage was filled with love and sweet happiness.
As the proverb goes, "Wheat turns yellow in a day, apricots turn yellow overnight." Just as the green apricots, lining the trees and branches, were turning a jade-yellow, nearing ripeness, the sky suddenly rained for over ten days. When the rain stopped and the sky cleared, the sun scorched the yellow apricots, which had been swollen and cracked by the rain, and they fell to the ground with a patter. Within a day, the baskets full of apricots had heated up and fermented, and were on the verge of rotting. The villagers were anxious and helpless, their faces filled with worry.
As night fell, a strange fragrance suddenly wafted through the village. It wasn't floral, nor fruity. Shi Di, sniffing the aroma, pushed open the door. His wife, smiling, scooped a bowl of water and brought it to him. Shi Di, thirsty as he was, took a gulp, feeling a surge of sweet liquid that washed right through him. Then his wife said, "This is wine, not water. It's made from fermented apricots. Let's have some, folks."
Everyone praised the wine after tasting it, and they all asked about the recipe and tried to imitate it. From then on, Xinghuawu had its own winery, and its fragrant and mellow apricot wine became famous far and wide.
It turns out the girl is the Apricot Blossom Fairy, one of the Seven Fairies of the Queen Mother's Yaochi. Unwilling to accept the Queen Mother's punishment, she has secretly descended to the mortal world. Seeing the villagers in need, she brews fine wine from fermented apricots, alleviating their distress. The aroma of her brew fills the heavens, making it so delicious that the Queen Mother salivates. She immediately orders the God of Thunder and the Goddess of Lightning to track her down and capture her so she can brew wine for the immortals in the upper realms.
Far from being afraid, the Apricot Blossom Fairy argued forcefully. The Queen Mother, enraged, thunder and lightning struck, and after the thunder and lightning passed, the Apricot Blossom Fairy disappeared. From then on, the legend of the Apricot Blossom Fairy's winemaking has been passed down through generations in Xinghuawu. Every year when the apricot blossoms bloom, the village is always bathed in a gentle spring rain, which is said to be the fairy's tears as she misses her loved ones in heaven.
Xinjiang is the province with the largest area of apricot tree cultivation in my country. In early spring every year, following the rape blossoms and peach blossoms in March, we begin to pay attention to the apricot blossoms on the Ili grasslands in Xinjiang. The more than 30,000 acres of wild apricot forests left over from the Middle Ages have both majestic scenes and lonely charm.
In April, the spring grass in the Ili River Valley grassland begins to grow, and the whole mountain is covered with lush green; on the green grassland, cattle, sheep and horses graze leisurely; on the grassland, thousands of wild apricot trees are in full bloom, covering the mountains and slopes, with branches and roots connected, pink twigs, fragrant breezes, and as bright as clouds; being in it is like walking on a mountain of flowers and a sea of flowers, as if entering a fairyland.
Perhaps you first encountered a photo of Xinghuagou in a post titled "100 Must-Visit Places in Life." Among a slew of foreign attractions, there was a photo of vast expanses of pink and white apricot blossoms scattered across a green, rolling hillside. Beneath the photo, prominently labeled "Yili, China," it sparked a deeper understanding of Xinjiang's apricot blossoms.
There are four main places where apricot blossoms can be seen in Xinjiang: along Datong Township in the Pamir Plateau; Turgen Township in Ili Prefecture; Toksun County in Turpan; and Daxigou in Huocheng.
Flowering seasons vary from region to region. In Toksun County, Turpan, the earliest apricot blossoms to bloom in Xinjiang in spring, and also closest to Urumqi, around March 20th. Next in line are the Pamirs, blooming in late March to early-mid April. Those in Ili typically bloom in early to mid-April. The last apricot blossoms to bloom are in Daxigou, slowly blooming in late April. The flowering period varies from year to year due to varying climates. However, the most beautiful apricot blossoms are those in the Pamirs and Turgen.
The Badaling Ancient Great Wall is one of the best places to see apricot blossoms. Within this several square kilometers of scenic area, there are four beacon towers, two sections of wall spanning approximately 2,000 meters, and a gap (where Li Zicheng broke through the pass). Starting from the beacon tower at the gap, the two sections of wall extend southwest and northwest in a "V" shape, following the mountain's slopes. Every spring, the scenic area is ablaze with apricot blossoms, creating a dazzling display of silver and pink waves. This is the most concentrated and spectacular area of naturally occurring apricot blossoms in Beijing.
The Great Wall Apricot Blossom Festival is held every April according to the flowering period, which is also a good time for us to enjoy the flowers!
"Apricot Blossom Valley," located near Shangxu Village in Xi'an's Lantian District, is renowned for its apricot blossoms that blanket the mountains in early spring. In the blooming season, gaze upon the mountainside, where thousands of apricot trees are in full bloom, and a pool of spring water gushes forth. The interplay of mountains and water, the fragrance of apricot blossoms wafting through the air, creates a boundless, idyllic landscape that is both refreshing and captivating. From a distance, it resembles a colorful ribbon, with numerous buds, vibrant colors, and a long blooming period. Apricot blossoms in red, pink, and white bloom across the mountains, creating a captivating spectacle resembling snow from afar, overflowing with fragrance. The scenery is picturesque and bustling with visitors. Apricot blossoms adorned the branches, embodying the natural beauty of spring, creating an enchanting spectacle of blossoming flowers, fluttering birds, and dancing butterflies.
Once upon a time, there was a poor village where most families bore the surname Yu. An elderly couple, the Yus, had a daughter named Chuchu, eighteen years old. With bright eyes and white teeth, her beauty rivaled that of Xi Shi. One day, a fairy, descending to the mortal realm to investigate, passed by. Seeing the poverty of the people in the ditch, she stayed with Chuchu for the night, only to discover her poverty even more profound. Seeing Chuchu's diligence, simplicity, generosity, and kindness, she felt a surge of pity for her. The next morning, she plucked the hairpin from her hair, placed it on the ground, laughed heartily three times, and vanished.
Instantly, a pear sapling sprouted where the hairpin had been placed. The sapling grew in the wind, becoming a lush, leafy tree laden with large pears. The Yu couple and Chuchu tasted one; the pears were crisp, delicious, and sweet. One bite and their hunger was instantly quenched. They notified the entire village to come and feast on the pears, breaking off branches and planting them as sticks. Soon, the entire mountain was covered in pear trees, and the fragrance wafted for miles.
Upon hearing this, the son of the Dragon King of the East China Sea, even more captivated by Chuchu's beauty, came to claim her as his bride. Chuchu refused, and the Dragon Prince drove her away down a slope. Furious, the Dragon Prince violated Heaven's laws and caused a severe drought, withering the pear trees in Lihuagou. Chuchu ran ten miles daily to carry water for the trees, unmoved by the Dragon Prince's threats and inducements, and ultimately died beneath the trees. The moment she closed her eyes, green buds sprouted from the withered pear trees, and pear blossoms burst forth in the wind, blanketing the mountains in silver and the fields in white. True to the pear blossom's symbolic meaning, it symbolizes pure, unadulterated love.
In spring, pear blossoms bloom, their whiteness seemingly adorned with frost and snow, a striking contrast amidst the vibrant blossoms of the season. Jinchuan and Dajinchuan lie in the crisscrossing valleys between the Great Snow Mountain Range and the Qionglai Mountain Range in the Hengduan Mountains of western Sichuan Province.
The Jiarong Tibetan people, known for their beauty, have lived here for generations. It's also home to the largest pear blossom spectacle on the snowy plateau, making it a nationally renowned snow pear production area. The pear blossom scenery along the Greater and Lesser Jinchuan Rivers is considered one of the three wonders of the world.
A unique scene, snowflakes and pear blossoms compete for beauty
The top of the mountain is a world of snow, and the setting sun burns the clouds in the sky a fiery red; at the foot of the mountain, pear blossoms cover the sky, quiet and pure, and the two complement each other, and the beautiful scenery is reflected in the slowly flowing river.
Second quatrain: Mountain flowers flying in disorder, pear blossoms in full bloom
While the snowy plateau is still sleeping soundly in the arms of winter, the pear blossoms, peach blossoms and rape blossoms on both sides of the Jinchuan River are blooming simultaneously, magnificent and becoming the most beautiful scenery in the plateau valley.
Three unique things: seeing flowers in the fog
There is a thin mist floating in the valley, village and pear orchard. The mist is dense and the flowers are hazy. Being in the midst of it, smelling the fragrance of the flowers, your thoughts drift with the wind.
But I prefer the pear blossoms of Danba. The trees there are tall and old, and the blossoms are densely packed, scattered around the distinctive Jiarong Tibetan dwellings and watchtowers. This creates what is arguably the most beautiful Tibetan village scenery in the world. National Geographic China named the Danba Tibetan village, centered around Jiaju and Zhonglu, "China's Most Beautiful Village."
In mid-March, countless pear blossoms spread across Tibetan villages, river valleys, and mountains. The air is filled with a delicate fragrance, and as the wind blows, the petals dance in the air, dazzling the eyes. Tibetan villages and watchtowers, with their distinct Jiarong Tibetan architectural style, are nestled among the blossoms. Colorful prayer flags flutter from the elegant houses. In the distance, the blue sky stretches across the plateau, and snow-capped mountains stretch out in unison. Danba is at its most picturesque.
A secret tip: the best viewing spot is Zhonglu Tibetan Village in Danba. "Zhonglu" is Tibetan, meaning "a place longed for by both humans and gods." The village is situated on a flat, open hillside midway up the eastern bank of the Xiaojin River. Sheltered at the foot of the renowned Moldo Mountain in the Jiarong Tibetan area, the tranquil countryside and the beautiful Tibetan watchtowers complement each other beautifully, earning it the reputation of "the most beautiful ancient Tibetan village."
In China, peach blossoms have long been associated with love. People often say "peach blossom luck" because they can bring opportunities for love. With their blessings, once you find your soulmate, you'll be captivated by love. Peach blossoms aren't just a flower of love; they also bring good fortune, symbolizing a period of prosperity. Peach wood can also be carved into exquisite ornaments and used to ward off evil. The vibrant colors of peach blossoms and green willows are the quintessential sight of spring, and peach blossoms symbolize a good life.
Among the legends associated with peach blossoms, Tao Yuanming's "Peach Blossom Spring" has the most enduring influence. It describes a peach blossom forest stretching for hundreds of feet along its banks. There are no other trees within, but fresh, fragrant grass and vibrant petals. A fisherman marvels at the sight, so he continues his journey, wanting to explore the entire forest. At the end of the forest, at the source of water, he discovers a mountain with fertile fields, beautiful ponds, mulberry trees, and bamboo trees. Roads connect the fields, and the sounds of chickens and dogs echo past...
Tao Yuanming, a distinguished scholar who "would not bend his back for a few pecks of rice," created a captivating and enduring ideal world, inspiring and influencing countless generations of patriots and those pursuing a better life. Therefore, people often name their residences after peach blossoms, such as "Taohuawu," "Taohua Garden," and "Taohua An."
There's a folk legend in my country about Kuafu chasing the sun. Before his death, he threw a sacred tree, which transformed into a peach forest. The earliest Spring Festival couplets in my country were made of peach wood, also known as peach charms. Even today, people believe that peach wood products can ward off evil spirits and exorcise demons. Peaches symbolize longevity, and presenting a plate of peaches to an elderly person on their birthday is a way to wish them good health and longevity. Therefore, peach blossoms are a symbol of longevity.
The Nyingchi area is known as the "Jiangnan of Tibet," meaning "the throne of the sun" in Tibetan. The Yarlung Zangbo River, a highland river, flows through the area. Every spring, the warm Indian Ocean current enters from here, bringing vitality to Nyingchi. Amidst the crisscrossing ravines, high mountains, and dense forests, a variety of landscapes are hidden. Three sacred places for viewing peaches in Nyingchi are:
As the first peach blossoms to bloom in Nyingchi, Bomi's peach blossoms are both early and abundant. Bomi's Peach Blossom Valley, home to 100,000 wild peach trees, has been certified by the Guinness Book of Records as China's largest peach blossom valley. These 200,000 wild peach trees, averaging 360 years old, roam freely in the valleys and pastoral landscapes along the banks of the Bodui Zangbu River, setting against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, rivers, and lakes. The best way to enjoy the Peach Blossom Valley, stretching for dozens of kilometers, is to stroll freely along the road, slowly admiring the towering peach trees lining the road and the unique scenery at every step.
As the host venue for the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Tourism Festival, Gala Peach Blossom Village itself exemplifies its quintessential Peach Blossom beauty. While not as large as Bomi Peach Blossom Valley, the peach blossom countryside, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the Niyang River Valley, is unique and beautiful. Within the scenic area, visitors can also experience activities such as Nyingchi arrow-sounding and traditional Guozhuang dance. The China-TravelNote photography group will also exclusively arrange for travel photographers to conduct peach blossom-themed portraits.
The Yarlung Zangbo River makes a 360-degree bend here, the world's largest and deepest canyon. The mountains embrace, protecting the people and the ecosystem. Wild peach blossoms on both sides of the river coexist harmoniously with humans, a close relationship unaffected by centuries of vicissitudes. And towering above the Yarlung Zangbo River, Mount Namjagbarwa, nestled in the clouds, resembles a warrior who, after years of battle, lays down his armor and rests in the gentle embrace of this idyllic paradise.
The azalea is praised as the "most beautiful flower," and the great poet Bai Juyi once eulogized it, writing, "Looking back, the peach and plum trees are all colorless, and the lotus flowers look like rosy blossoms." Every spring, azaleas burst into bloom across the mountains, creating a scene from afar that looks as if the forests have been painted with rouge. Hence, the azalea's common name, "Mountain Rhododendron." The vibrant crimson flowers evoke a warm and beautiful feeling for life, symbolizing the nation's prosperity and the people's well-being. This is the true meaning of the Chinese people's love for the azalea.
The azalea flower's language is "Forever Yours," representing the joy of love. It's said that people who love azaleas are pure and innocent, and when they see a mountain of azaleas in full bloom, it's the arrival of the god of love.
Legend has it that the ancient Shu Kingdom was a peaceful and prosperous nation. Its land was fertile, its products plentiful, and its people lived a carefree, happy life. However, this carefree, prosperous life gradually induced laziness. They indulged themselves in drunkenness, whoring, gambling, and revelry, sometimes even forgetting to plant seeds.
The emperor of Shu at the time was named Du Yu. He was a remarkably responsible and diligent ruler who deeply loved his people. Seeing them so happy and forgetful of their worries, he became deeply concerned. To ensure the best harvest season, he would rush around every spring, urging people to plant quickly and seize the spring's opportunities. However, this practice, year after year, became a habit, and people stopped planting unless Du Yu came.
However, Du Yu fell ill from overwork and eventually bid farewell to his people. Yet, he could not forget them. His soul transformed into a bird, which flew around every spring, calling out "cuckoo, cuckoo." It cried until blood flowed from its mouth, and the bright red drops of blood fell across the mountains and fields, transforming into beautiful flowers.
People were moved and began to learn from their good king Du Yu, becoming diligent and responsible. They named the bird the cuckoo and the flower made of its blood the azalea.
There are nearly 960 species of rhododendrons worldwide, with over 570 found in China. Western Sichuan is home to over 180 species, accounting for 19% of the global rhododendron population, making it one of the birthplaces and distribution centers of rhododendrons. The Gongga Mountains in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located in western Sichuan, are home to over 70 species, making it the most densely populated region of rhododendrons in the world.
The origin of the azalea is in western Sichuan
There are two major centers of rhododendron distribution worldwide. The largest concentration is in the Hengduan Mountains-Himalayan region of China, encompassing southwestern China, northeastern Myanmar, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal, and northeastern India. The Gongga Mountains region in western Sichuan boasts the world's richest rhododendron resources, with nearly 90% of ornamental rhododendrons sharing genes from the western Sichuan rhododendron. National Highway 318, a scenic highway for Chinese people, passes through this region with the world's highest concentration of rhododendrons. This highway can be described as a rhododendron road. Over a dozen rhododendron species are named after places along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway alone, including the Baoxing Rhododendron, the Gongga Mountains Rhododendron, the Kangding Rhododendron, the Zheduo Rhododendron, the Danba Rhododendron, the Daofu Rhododendron, the Lulang Rhododendron, and the Nyingchi Rhododendron.
Over a hundred years ago, a group of Western explorers entered the Hengduan Mountains in southwestern China to collect plant seeds. The dazzling array of rhododendrons that blanketed the mountains in vibrant colors opened their eyes and captivated them, making rhododendrons one of their primary targets. The large number of rhododendron seeds and specimens they brought back caused a sensation in the West. The Edinburgh Gardens in the UK became a global center for rhododendron research, and the cultivation of new rhododendron varieties became a new direction in Western horticulture, spawning a new industry.
Tips:
Here’s a little surprise: the 360-degree panoramic snow mountain viewing platform - Niubei Mountain, will open in the second half of the year. It’s an exclusive collaboration between China and TravelNote, so stay tuned.
Before the rainy season begins every year, the alpine rhododendrons on Niubei Mountain bloom in May and June. Paired with snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds, no words can describe the beauty of this picture.
The Baili Rhododendron Forest in Bijie, Guizhou Province is a natural garden on the plateau, with a total area of 125.8 square kilometers. It is the largest native rhododendron forest in China to date and is known as the "Ribbon of the Earth" and the "World's Natural Garden".
Over 60 species of rhododendrons grow on this 50-kilometer-long narrow hilly area. The most remarkable phenomenon is the "one tree, different flowers" phenomenon, where a single tree can produce up to seven varieties of flowers. This is the best-preserved, largest, and most diverse natural garden of wild rhododendrons to date. In spring, in February and March, the rhododendrons bloom across hundreds of miles.
Every March, a variety of azaleas bloom into a sea of flowers, resembling clouds and rosy clouds, creating a magnificent painting. This area is also home to the Yi and Miao ethnic groups, and the blossom season coincides with several ethnic minority festivals. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can also experience the vibrant ethnic customs!
Qianhu Mountain, located in Tuanjie Village, Xiaozhongdian Township, Shangri-La County, is known as "Lamdongcuo" in Tibetan, meaning "Goddess Thousand Lakes." Stretching from Bigu Tianchi Lake in the north to Sanbihai Lake in the south, it covers over 40 square kilometers and stands between 3,900 and 4,200 meters above sea level. The scenic area is blanketed in vast forests and dotted with diverse alpine lakes. Qianhu Mountain boasts an unparalleled abundance of natural resources. Under azure skies, fluttering colorful prayer flags adorn sacred temples. For generations, the simple and devout people have cultivated this area. Qianhu Mountain's beauty is truly rare in Yunnan, earning it the nickname "miniature of Shangri-La." In late May, the rhododendrons bloom in masses, creating a scene reminiscent of a sea of pink, a truly captivating sight for young women. A highly recommended destination!
The leaves of the Xing'an Rhododendron are nearly leathery, elliptical or oblong, with blunt ends, dark green above and light green below, and the petioles are slightly pubescent. The inflorescences are axillary or pseudo-terminal, with umbel-shaped flowers that bloom before the leaves. The corolla is broadly funnel-shaped, pink or purple-red, with purple-red anthers and styles. The capsules are oblong, and the flowers bloom in May each year.
It is distributed in Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Jilin in China. It is also found in Mongolia, Japan, North Korea, and Russia. It grows under or at the edges of mountain larch and birch forests. Arxan is a popular spot for viewing the Xing'an azalea, and a grand "Azalea Festival" is held every May when the flowers are in full bloom.
Rapeseed flowers, with their tenacious vitality and flower language symbolizing "spirit and dedication," are the flower that best represents volunteers. If a rapeseed flower were a person, then that person would be someone with a naive and romantic dream, constantly pursuing it. Like the rapeseed flower, they don't take pride in their blooming splendor, nor do they lament the golden sea of blossoms. Instead, they always hold onto that childlike innocence, striving to contribute to this brilliant dream.
The rapeseed flowers bloom from March to April each year, creating a vast sea of blossoms. They don't argue or quarrel, and anyone who enters feels like they've stepped into a painting. The vibrant colors of the rapeseed flowers paint the fields a vibrant green, dotted with hints of yellow—a vibrant, romantic statement.
The hustle and bustle of the city has made us forget the comforts of our original rural life. Coming to Luoping, we experience that long-lost, beautiful life. At dawn, the sky is dimly lit. The sun slowly rises over the horizon, blowing away wisps of mist. The karst hills gradually become clear, and the rapeseed flowers, like newborn babies, unfold, filling the air with a faint, lingering golden fragrance. Poetry and the distant are so close.
Every year from February to April, 200,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of rapeseed flowers burst into vibrant bloom across the Luoping Basin, stretching for dozens of miles like a surging ocean of golden waves. Anyone who stops by this vast natural sea of rapeseed flowers cannot help but exclaim that Luoping is a "land of abundant treasures." Beekeepers, known as the "Chinese Gypsies," gather amidst the blossoms, releasing their bees to chase after the flowers and collect nectar. The undulating karst cones, dotting the sea of flowers, create a breathtaking scene resembling a fairyland on earth.
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of love and hope, representing elegance, simplicity, and pure love. Cherry blossoms, like the tenderness of an innocent girl, quietly bloom in spring. A tree covered in white and pink blossoms is the most beautiful expression of love to a loved one. Someone in one's heart, like that lonely shower of cherry blossoms, slowly fades into the depths of time, leaving behind an eternal memory.
Legend has it that the cherry tree was originally just a blade of grass, but later grew into a tree because a young girl, fond of wearing pink gauze dresses, refused to accept her family's arranged marriage and committed suicide here. Her bright red, hot blood became nourishment, transforming the grass into a majestic tree, which blooms gracefully every year, first white and then pink.
Southwest China is one of the birthplaces of cherry blossoms. The Wanmu Cherry Blossom Garden, located on the shores of Hongfeng Lake, a pearl of the plateau, covers over 24,000 mu and boasts nearly 700,000 rare cherry trees. It is known as the "Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Area in Guizhou" and is currently the largest concentrated cherry blossom base in China.
This newly popular cherry blossom viewing spot is comparable to Japan in scenery. The video of the ten thousand acre cherry blossom garden shot by CNN once went viral on the Internet and was called "one of the most amazing scenery in the world" by foreign media.
Here lies the most romantic road to spring. The winding highway weaves through blossoms for kilometers, offering a breathtaking backdrop of vibrant blossoms. In March, sit beneath a cherry blossom tree and watch the petals scatter in the wind, a rosy romance unfolds. The aerial view is even more breathtaking: an endless sea of pink blossoms, azure waters, and inky mountains interweave to create a dreamlike wonderland.
Buddhism believes that a flower is a universe, and so is a human body. All things, small or large, microscopic or macroscopic, are one world. The Buddha's smile, even as he held up a flower, conveys a boundless sense of Zen. While I don't understand Buddhism, I've always longed for this state of calm, tranquility, and open-mindedness. However, this state can only be felt and understood, not expressed in words.
The last flower that the seven fairies are waiting for is you who are reading this article. No matter you desire a love as pure as a pear blossom, a captive of love like a peach blossom, or a dedicated love like a rape blossom, in 2019, go out for a walk. Each flower is a world, and only you can feel it.
The flowers are the same every year, but the people are different every year. After thousands of years of romance, I am waiting for you in this spring day.
