Hangzhou's iconic flower is known as 'Sweet Osmanthus' and it usually bursts into bloom between late September and early October. During the recent National Day Holiday, large numbers of citizens and tourists in Hangzhou went sightseeing in scenic areas where they had the chance to enjoy the scent of the flower in and around the city. Here is a selection of sites for Sweet Osmanthus viewing in Hangzhou:
Hangzhou Children's Park (儿童乐园)
The Hangzhou Children's Park, more often called Hangzhou Manlong Guiyu Park, 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 the flowers in autumn. However, what makes the park special is not the large quantity of Sweet Osmanthus trees but the delicacies that are made from the sweet-scented flowers. There are an increasing number of family restaurants emerging in nearby areas that specialize in Sweet Osmanthus food such as Sweet Osmanthus porridge, Sweet Osmanthus cake and drinks distilled from Sweet Osmanthus. It has become a tradition among locals to hold a festival each year in celebration of Sweet Osmanthus coming to bloom.
Sweet Osmanthus
Hangzhou Flower Nursery (杭州花圃)
Hangzhou Flower Nursery is similar to an arboretum or botanical garden. Toward the entrance are huge annual plantings in swirling patterns and there is a fountain in front of a flower-petal-shaped garden filled with color. During autumn, people come to see Osmanthus blossoms. Do not feel despair if you cannot make it during fall, for it exhibits a wealth of other plants all year round.
Orange Osmanthus
Lingyin Temple(灵隐寺)
Lingyin Temple is known as one of the most prestigious Buddhist temples in China. While tourists come in admiration of the exclusive and transcendent spirit they may find themselves surrounded by lush green Sweet Osmanthus trees bearing tiny delicate yellow flowers. The autumn wind carrying the refreshing fragrance of the flowers helps make a trip to the temple a more enjoyable experience.
Dish made from Osmanthus
Hangzhou Botanical Garden (植物园)
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is home to 2,000 Sweet Osmanthus trees of 20 different species, among them is the most popular kind of Osmanthus 'the king of Sweet Osmanthus' which stands over 10 meters tall and is over one meter in diameter.
Join Festivals in Autumn
Daci Cliff Traditional Temple Fair in Jiande (建德大慈岩庙会) | From September 1st to 7th |
Lin’an Changhua Hickory Nut Festival (临安昌化山核桃节) | Late September |
Hangzhou Golden Autumn International Travel Festival (杭州金秋国际旅游节) | From mid-September to late October |
China International Qiantang Tide Watching Festival (中国国际钱江观潮节) | Begins on August 16th |
West Lake Osmanthus Festival (西湖桂花节) | From mid-September to late October |
West Lake Lantern Show (西湖灯会) | From mid-September to late October |
Wu Hill Gold Autumn Cultural Temple Fair (吴山金秋文化庙会) | In October |
West Lake International Fireworks Festival (西湖国际烟花大会) | In October |
China Hangzhou West Lake Expo (中国杭州西湖博览会) | From October 20th to November 10th |
Xixi Red Persimmon Festival (西溪火柿节) | Last 20 days from September 20th |
China Hangzhou Food Festival (中国杭州美食节) | From October 28th to November 3rd |
Hangzhou International Calligraphy Festival (杭州国际书法艺术节) | From October 30th to November 3rd |
Hangzhou Chrysanthemum Show (杭州菊展) | From October 29th to November 20th |