MID-WINTER is the best time to appreciate plum blossoms in full bloom. Among the best known destinations are Libo in Guizhou Province, Meiguan Pass and Liuxihe National Forest Park in Guangdong Province, as well as East Lake in Hubei Province.

    Meiguan Pass

    Guangdong Province

    Meiguan Pass in Nanxiong County, Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, was on a major route connecting South China with other places in ancient times. All along the pass are plum trees that blossom in winter.

    There is a plum blossom festival and festive lantern show being held until Feb. 18. Between mid-January and early February, red and white plum blossoms dot the snow-covered pass. Because of the different climate on each sides of the pass, plum blossoms outside the pass bloom after those inside fall.

    Transport: Buses depart for Shaoguan from most city bus stations. Then take a bus to Nanxiong County in Shaoguan.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in either Nanxiong or Shaoguan.

    Cuisine: Try local Chinese chestnuts and rock tea.

    Libo

    Guizhou Province

    Libo is in China’s southwestern Guizhou Province and was named by the national plum blossom association as China’s wild plum blossom center. The annual Libo Plum Blossom Festival starts Saturday.

    Near Dongtangmucao is a karst formation primitive forest with a large area of wild plum blossoms between mid January and late February. There are red, white and yellow plum blossoms in full bloom at this time of year.

    Twenty-two minorities have been living in this area for thousands of years and, in 2007, Libo was selected for the list of World Natural Heritage Nominations.

    Transport: Fly to Guiyang in Guizhou Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a bus to Libo.

    Accommodation: Sanli Hotel is popular or stay at hostels at the Zhangjiang Scenic Spot.

    Cuisine: Local dishes are known for their spicy and sour flavors. Try fish, chicken and bean-curd snacks. 

    Liuxihe National Forest Park

    Guangdong Province

    One of China’s top 10 national forest parks, Liuxihe National Forest Park in Conghua, Guangzhou, is home to the largest plum forest in Southeast Asia. An annual plum blossom festival is being held at the park until Jan. 21. During this time, plum trees are in full bloom on the mountains along the Liuxi River. Because the white plum flowers look like snow and have a sweet scent, they are called “Liuxi Fragrant Snow.”

    Over 800 types of plants can be found in the park. Egrets also add to the charm of plum blossom.

    Transport: Buses depart for Conghua from most city bus stations. Then take a bus to Liuxihe National Forest Park.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Conghua.

    Cuisine: Try bean curd, pork, fish and chicken. 

    East Lake Hubei Province

    East Lake, the most popular attraction in Wuhan in Hubei Province, has always prided itself on flowers blooming all year round — orchids and cherry blossoms in spring, lotus in summer, osmanthus in autumn and plum blossom in winter.

    At this time of year, the Plum Blossom Garden — with nearly 10,000 plum trees — can overwhelm visitors with flowers and the sweet scent. There are also pavilions and bridges.

    Transport: Fly to Wuhan from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a bus to East Lake.

    Accommodation: Visitors can stay at hostels near East Lake and Wuhan University.

    Cuisine: Noodles are recommended as well as dishes in Hubu Lane.