IN Japanese culture, cherry blossoms exemplify the transient nature of life because of their short-lived blooms. In China, however, they symbolize femininity or love with their fragrant petals. Wuhan University is a famous place in which visitors can behold cherry blossoms. But there are other places where you can view the trees, some of which are close to Shenzhen.

Cherry Blossom Valley, Guangdong Province

    Guangdong Province may not be the most obvious place for cherry blossoms to thrive, but Xinfeng County, Shaoguan City boasts Cherry Blossom Valley, a location not far from here where visitors flock to see the plants.

    The trees at the park were planted arbitrarily on hills, by rocks and beside houses, giving the place a more natural vibe than a nature reserve.

    In spring, the park becomes a sea of pink and white.

    The valley itself is an evocative place with many old houses and strange rocks, making it a good place to go hiking all year round.

    Transport: Take a coach to Xinfeng from the coach station and take a taxi to the valley.

    Cheung Chau,

    Hong Kong

    Cheung Chau, a famous island and tourism spot in Hong Kong, has the special administrative region’s largest cherry blossom woods.

    Although there are fewer cherry blossom trees than at other places famous for cherry blossom, it still attracts many visitors due to its seaside location.

    It is a popular place for families to spend an entire day, sampling fresh seafood as well as enjoying the scenery.

    Transport: Go to Hong Kong from Shenzhen through Luohu and Futian checkpoints and take the train to Central. Take the ferry to the island.

    Yuantong Mountain,

    Yunnan Province

    Situated to the northeast of Kunming City, Yuantong Mountain offers cherry blossoms as beautiful as those in Japan.

    Every spring, lovers go there to stroll among the pink and white flowers as they wave in the breeze.

    Yuantong Zoo on the mountain is home to 140 varieties of animals, such as elephants, gaurs, Mengla tigers, pandas, leopards, eagles and Australian kangaroos.

    Rice noodles and Yunnan-style steamed chicken are must-haves when traveling in Kunming.

    Transport: Take a plane to Kunming from Shenzhen airport and take a bus or a taxi to Yuantong Mountain.

    Alishan Mountain,

    Taiwan

    Alishan Mountain in Taiwan attracts millions of tourists each year.

    April is the best season to see the mountain’s cherry blossoms.

    Among all the cherry blossom trees, there is one which is aged more than 60. The tree is called “king of the cherry blossoms” due to its longevity and beauty.

    You should take the Alishan Mountain Railway to explore the mountain view. The trip will give you the chance to look up on some unique scenery.

    Transport: Fly to Taipei from Shenzhen airport and get to Chiayi by high-speed train. Get to Alishan Mountain by coach from the railway station.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)