APRIL is a popular time of year in China because the weather is not too hot but flowers are in bloom. Many of the country’s best-known landscapes are at their most picturesque at this time of year.

    Trip of worship to Emei Mountain

    A pilgrimage to the famous Emei Mountain in Sichuan Province is a particularly good idea in April as a grand event will be held April 28, marking the Buddha’s Birthday Festival.

    As one of the four sacred mountains of Buddhism, Emei Mountain is traditionally regarded as the bodhimanda (place of enlightenment) of the bodhisattva Samantabhadra (also known as Puxian in Mandarin).

    There are 76 ancient Buddhist monasteries in the mountain and most are located near the peak. Famous temples include Qingyin Pavilion, Hongchunping Temple, Wannian Temple and Huazang Temple. The magnificent Huazang Temple is located on the mountain’s Golden Summit, containing three buildings of gold, silver and bronze. During the festival, worshiping activities will be held at the temples.

    Great views from the mountain include the sunrise, Buddha’s light and sea of clouds. The mountain is also known for its monkeys who play practical jokes on travelers who refuse to give food and drink.

    Transport: Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, from Shenzhen International Airport and take a coach at Simaqiao coach station directly to the gate at the foot of the mountain. The flight takes around 2.5 hours and the bus ride takes another 2.5 hours.

    Road trip in Guangdong

    A road trip to Sanshui and Sihui is recommended this spring. Travelers can enjoy the scenery of Sanshui in the morning and go either shopping or worshipping in Sihui in the afternoon.

    Nandan Mountain is a must-go spot in Sanshui. The mountain is also called Longevity Mountain as there are many centenarians in the surrounding area. Travellers who are tired from hiking on the mountain can revitalize in the spa.

    Sihui is known as the jade capital of China. Attractive jade accessories can be found at reasonable prices.

    Nanhua Temple, also known as Temple for the Sixth Patriarch, is the most important temple in Guangdong Province. Buddhist master Huineng once practiced at the temple. Huineng is viewed as the sixth and last patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

    Travelers can also experience traditional culture in a Deng Village in Sihui, a peaceful village which is known for ancient paper-making techniques.

    Transport: Drive to Sanshui through Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and Guangzhou-Sanshui Expressway and drive from Sanshui to Sihui through No. 321 national highway. A ride from Shenzhen to Sanshui takes around three hours.

    Hunan, Hubei trip by high-speed train

    With the opening of the direct high-speed train from Shenzhen to Wuhan, the many tourism spots along the line have become more accessible.

    April is the best time to enjoy cherry blossom at Wuhan University in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. A quiet afternoon by Donghu Lake is also a great way to unwind. The grand Yellow Crane Tower is the city’s most famous landscape, while travelers can enjoy popular traditional snacks on Jianghan Street where there are many 200-year-old buildings in European architectural style.

    Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, also offers historical sites such as Yuelu Academy, Mawangdui tomb, Lushan Temple and Aiwan Pavilion. The city is also famous for its spicy cuisine.

    Hengshan Mountain in Hengyang City is one of the most famous mountains in the country for its stunning scenery and long history of religious activities.

    Other popular tourism destinations include Shaoguan in Guangdong, Yueyang and Chenzhou in Hunan Province.

    Transport: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen North Railway Station. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Shaoguan from Shenzhen by a high-speed train, three hours to get to Changsha and four hours to get to Wuhan. (Wang Yuanyuan)