Known as the "sweet osmanthus", Hangzhou's signature flower usually blooms between late September and early October. During the National Day holiday, large numbers of citizens and tourists in Hangzhou will go sightseeing in scenic areas, where they have the opportunity to enjoy the scent of flowers in and around the city. Here is a selection of Hangzhou's sweet osmanthus viewing sites:
Hangzhou Children's Park
The Hangzhou Children's Park, better known as Hangzhou Manlong Guiyu Park (Sweet Osmanthus Rain at Manjuelong Village), has the largest number of sweet osmanthus trees in the city. More than 4,000 of these trees make the children's park the most crowded place in Hangzhou to view autumn flowers. What makes the park special, however, is not the abundance of sweet osmanthus trees, but the delicacies made from the sweet-scented flowers. A growing number of family-owned restaurants have sprung up in the area, specializing in sweet osmanthus dishes such as sweet osmanthus porridge, sweet osmanthus cakes and drinks distilled from sweet osmanthus. It has become a tradition among locals to hold a festival each year to celebrate the coming of the sweet osmanthus.
Hangzhou Flower Nursery
Hangzhou Flower Nursery is similar to an arboretum or botanical garden. Towards the entrance are huge annuals in swirling patterns, with a fountain in front of a flowery petal-shaped garden filled with color. During autumn, people come to see osmanthus blossoms. Do not despair if you cannot make it in autumn, for it exhibits a wealth of other plants all year round.
Lingyin Temple
The Lingyin Temple is known as one of the most prestigious Buddhist temples in China. Visitors who come in admiration of the exclusive and transcendent spirit may find themselves surrounded by lush green sweet osmanthus trees bearing tiny delicate yellow flowers. The autumnal wind carrying the refreshing fragrance of flowers helps make the temple tour a more enjoyable experience.
Hangzhou Botanical Garden
The Hangzhou Botanical Garden is home to 2,000 sweet osmanthus trees of 20 different species, including the most popular species, the 'King of Sweet Osmanthus', which stands more than 10 meters tall and has a diameter of more than one meter.