A Symphony of Cherry Blossoms and Tulips at Qinjian Chunyuan

In March, the author embarked on a one-day trip with their spouse, costing 15 yuan per person. The a[...]

In March, the author embarked on a one-day trip with their spouse, costing 15 yuan per person. The activities included photography and free travel. The author visited several notable locations: the Huangpu River in Shanghai, the China Pavilion, and the Nanpu Bridge. This travelogue was published on March 30, 2021, at 22:34.

Qinjian Chunyuan, a greenway along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, spans approximately 8,500 square meters and is adorned with over 250 cherry blossom trees and a 4,000 square meter tulip field. The sight is a breathtaking blend of cherry blossoms forming a cloud above and tulips creating a carpet below. From an aerial perspective, the blooming flowers create striped color blocks, interspersed with leisure paths that resemble a piano keyboard. Strolling along the riverside greenway, one side offers an unparalleled view of the river, while the other side bursts with the colors of spring.

Nestled next to the ship pavilion of the former World Expo site on the west bank of the Huangpu River, near the giant thermometer rebuilt from the former Nanshi Power Plant, Qinjian Chunyuan is a street green space in Shanghai. Across the river, one can find the China Pavilion and the Mercedes-Benz Art Center of the World Expo site. The green layout here is strip-designed, resembling piano keys, which is the origin of its name. At 777 Miaojiang Road, within the Huangpu Riverfront, Qinjian Chunyuan’s cherry blossoms and tulips reach their peak blooming period in late March. Thousands of tulips complement the rows of cherry blossoms, with the tulips exuding gentle elegance and the cherry blossoms falling like snowflakes.Come and see for yourself. In Qinjian Chunyuan, there is a beautiful sight. The ground is covered with tulips imported from the Netherlands in various colors like yellow, white, pink, and red. Among the tulip fields, Japanese Yoshino cherry trees with pink blossoms swaying in the wind are found. A gentle breeze brings down countless petals, which flutter and scatter among the flowers, on the grass, and along the greenway. The row planting method in Qinjian Chunyuan makes each row consist of monochromatic tulips and white Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, resembling piano keys. Currently, there is a large area of Yoshino cherry blossoms and tulips in full bloom. Over 250 pure white Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees are arranged in rows within the riverside Qinjian Chunyuan, creating a romantic atmosphere of planting cherry blossoms on piano keys. In March, when the flowers bloom, the upper layer is a cloud of cherry blossoms and the lower layer is a carpet of tulips. The blooming flowers form striped color blocks and are interspersed with leisure paths, resembling piano keys. Yellow, white, purple, red, orange, and pink tulips compete to bloom, and the pink and white cherry blossoms on the trees echo the colorful tulips below.Every year, as the tulip season arrives, cherry blossoms are not far behind, blooming in tandem with the tulips. The layers of flowers, resembling flying snowflakes, dance in the wind. Within Qinjian Chunyuan, cherry blossoms fall in profusion, and the ground is covered with the sweet scent of tulips.

The picturesque spring scenery draws a large number of citizens to capture the moment with their cameras. The pink and white flowers, in full bloom, are as prosperous as snow. When a gust of wind blows, the petals descend slowly, adding to the romantic spring atmosphere. Amidst this floral spring scenery, people leisurely stroll, enjoying the flowers on the leisure walkway. Under the cherry blossom clouds, visitors are reluctant to leave.

After visiting Qinjian Chunyuan, we ride along Miaojiang Road to the ‘most beautiful bus station in Magic City,’ the Puxi Bus Hub Station of Nanpu Bridge. From mid-March to early April each year marks the cherry blossom blooming period. At this bus hub station, known as the ‘most beautiful bus station in Magic City,’ the cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino) are in full bloom. These cherry blossoms rival the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms. Though not numerous, they are in full bloom and attract many photography enthusiasts armed with ‘long guns and short cannons,’ taking pictures and group photos to capture the most beautiful landscape exclusive to cherry blossoms.

Regarding shooting points, there are two spots in the station that should not be missed.One is in the passage of Route 65. Several cherry blossom trees in a row are right next to the bus. There is a small staircase next to it that can reach a height of 2-3 floors, so you can take more layered cherry blossom pictures. The other is at the parking spot of Route 89 near the intersection. There are three cherry blossom trees. They are not very tall, but just right. The branches and flowers are pressed on the top of the bus. Looking from behind the bus, you can also take pictures of the Nanpu Bridge in the foreground of cherry blossoms at the same time.