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In Yuantouzhu, Wuxi, every cherry blossom season seems like a pink dream quietly descending.
The cherry blossoms on the branches are in full bloom, like a cluster of light crimson clouds and floating like gorgeous mist, attracting a large number of tourists to this spring event. Last year, a total of 1.4 million people came to enjoy the flowers!
This time, we will show you the charming charm of the Yuantouzhu cherry blossom season from its history and types to its travel routes and photography techniques.
©Kehang
Located southwest of Wuxi, Yuantouzhu is nestled on the shores of the beautiful Taihu Lake. It is a peninsula on the northwest shore of the lake. It is named "Yuantouzhu" because of the huge rocks jutting into the lake, resembling a tortoise with its head raised.
©Kehang
The history of cherry blossom viewing at Yuantouzhu can be traced back to 1933, when the owner of the garden, Yang Hanxi, selected the famous Kyoto variety "Somei Yoshino" from among countless cherry blossoms, which "looks like fog from a distance when in bloom, a spectacular sight", and planted it beside Changchun Bridge.
In the 1980s, the construction of the Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest started, and later the larger Cherry Blossom Valley was built. More than 30,000 cherry trees and 68 varieties of cherry blossoms were planted on the slopes. The number and variety of cherry blossoms are unique in the whole of Jiangnan.
Here, mountains and rivers are intertwined, with stunning natural scenery, and the beauty of lakes and mountains complementing each other. The cherry blossom viewing season in spring is the best of all seasons, and it is known as one of the "three best cherry blossom viewing spots in the world."
Rich variety: The cherry blossoms at Yuantouzhu aren't just a single variety, but a fantastic collection of early, mid, and late cherry blossoms! From March to April, they take turns blooming, allowing you to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms at different times of the year.
Large scale: Cherry blossoms are cultivated on a large scale, especially the Cherry Blossom Valley. During the flowering season, the flowers are like a sea, which is extremely spectacular. Being in it is like entering a pink dream world.
©Kehang
The beauty of landscape fusion: cherry blossoms and the vast Taihu Lake complement each other, with pink cherry blossoms reflected in the shimmering lake surface. Changchun Bridge spans the water, and cherry blossoms beside the bridge fall into the water, creating a scene of "flowers falling and red water flowing".
Want an even more stunning perspective? Standing high on Luding Mountain, you can take in the vast expanse of cherry blossoms and the stunning scenery of lakes and mountains. The perfect fusion of nature and humanity is a true visual feast.
Abundant Activities: Cherry blossom season offers more than just viewing the blossoms! Enjoy Taihu Lake Cherry Blossom Night Cruises, fireworks displays, Taihu Lake Lantern Festival, and a Cherry Blossom Cultural and Creative Market...it's truly an all-rounder in the tourism world!
🌸Somei Yoshino cherry trees, a vibrant pink spectacle at Yuantouzhu! When in bloom, the trees are covered in blossoms, resembling a blanket of snow. Widely distributed throughout Yuantouzhu, they are the main attraction of the park's cherry blossoms. Every year in late March, they burst into bloom en masse, creating a truly spectacular spectacle.
🌸 Early cherry blossoms in Yuantouzhu: The Hanfei cherry blossoms are the first to welcome spring, typically blooming quietly between late February and early March, marking the first pink melody to grace Yuantouzhu. Their vibrant colors stand out against the surrounding lush greenery, making them even more eye-catching.
🌸The Guanshan cherry blossoms, a late-blooming variety, are the crowning glory of Yuantouzhu! Their blossoms, hues transitioning from deep pink to rosy red, are full and round. They bloom from late March to early April, and as the early-blooming cherry blossoms fade, the Guanshan cherry blossoms begin to show their beauty, continuing the romance of Yuantouzhu's cherry blossom season.
©Kehang
The night view of the cherry blossoms at Yuantouzhu is doubly magical. As night falls and the lights come on, the cherry blossoms seem to be given new life under the illumination.
The scenic area also officially announced that from March 20 to March 31, the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area will be open for night cherry blossom viewing from 17:00 to 21:00!
Walking under the cherry trees, looking up, you will see the dreamy night cherry blossoms, and under your feet, the shadows elongated by the lights, as if time has stopped for this moment.
Starting point: Chongshan Gate
After entering the park, the first thing that comes into view is the hidden beauty of Chongshan, shaded by green trees and dotted with flowers. Strolling through it, the freshness and tranquility of spring will hit you.
First stop: Sakura Valley
Walking along the winding path, you will arrive at the Cherry Blossom Valley, where the most concentrated cherry blossoms are located in Yuantouzhu. Here you can fully appreciate the graceful beauty of varieties such as Somei Yoshino cherry trees.
Second stop: Cherry Blossom Viewing Tower
Climb up to the Cherry Blossom Viewing Tower and take in the panoramic view of the entire Cherry Blossom Valley and the surrounding Taihu Lake. The pink cherry blossoms and the shimmering Taihu Lake form a stunning painting.
Third stop: Changchun Bridge
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom by the bridge. When the breeze blows, the petals fall to the water like snow, forming a beautiful landscape of "flowers falling and red water flowing". It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and check in.
Fourth stop: Yuantouzhu Lighthouse
As Yuantouzhu's iconic landmark, it offers sweeping views of the vast Taihu Lake. Dotted with cherry blossoms, the majestic lighthouse adds a touch of romance.
End point: Dushan Gate
Leaving the park from the Dushan Gate near the lighthouse, a fulfilling and wonderful day of cherry blossom viewing at Yuantouzhu came to an end.
©Kehang
Enter the park by boat: Enter the park by boat: Special arrangements are made to enter the park by boat, enter the park early, go directly to the core scenic area, and enjoy the beautiful flower sea of Yuantouzhu in private.
🌸Shooting time selection
The soft light and glistening dew in the morning are perfect for photographing fresh, bright cherry blossoms and capturing their subtle details. The afterglow of the setting sun paints the cherry blossoms with a warm hue, making it ideal for capturing silhouettes of people and blossoms.
🌸Shooting angle
Low-angle upward shooting: Shoot the cherry blossoms from above with the blue sky as the background, avoiding the cluttered background, making the cherry blossoms appear taller and more spectacular, and enhancing the visual impact of the picture.
High-angle aerial photography: Find a high shooting point, such as a cherry blossom viewing building. The aerial photography can show the panoramic view of the large cherry blossoms and the surrounding buildings and lakes, enriching the picture layering.
Flat-angle shooting: Suitable for capturing the details and local beauty of cherry blossoms, such as taking a close-up of a blooming cherry blossom.
©Kehang
🌸Composition method
Central composition: Place one or a group of cherry blossoms in the center of the picture to highlight the subject. This is suitable for taking close-ups of cherry blossoms, allowing the audience to focus their attention on the beautiful posture of the cherry blossoms.
Rule of thirds composition: Divide the picture into a nine-square grid and place the cherry blossoms at the four intersections, or divide the picture horizontally and vertically according to the rule of thirds. The cherry blossoms and other elements are cleverly divided to make the picture more balanced and beautiful.
Frame composition: Use surrounding door frames, window frames, tree branches, etc. as frames to frame the cherry blossoms, adding layering and interest to the picture.
🌸Use of props
When taking photos of people, you can use props such as paper umbrellas and kites to add a sense of romance and story; with the help of the breeze, you can capture the moment when petals fall, or use a spray bottle to simulate dewdrops to make the picture more vivid.
Whether it's the cherry blossoms during the day or the nighttime hues, Yuantouzhu captivates countless tourists with its unique charm! Capture the beautiful moments with your camera, or immerse yourself in the romance of the cherry blossoms. Take advantage of the spring sunshine and come for a cherry blossom viewing date!
©Yuantouzhu Scenic Area
