The Second Hangzhou Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival opens

The Second Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival kicked off at Chaoshan Scenic Spot in Yuhang district of Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province on February 25.

Plum blossoms in full bloom at Chaoshan Scenic Spot in Yuhang district of Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on February 25, 2010. [Photo: zjol. com.cn]

As the first serial activities of the annual West Lake Expo, this year's Plum Blossom Festival will last until March 15.

In addition to enjoying blooming flowers, tourists can take part in various activities including buying commemorative stamps and postcards, and enjoying a bonsai exhibition with more than 200 plants.

Another highlight of this year's event is the launching ceremony of Xingguang Yuan – the Hall of Fame for the winners of China Opera Plum Blossom Awards. It is the only one of its kind in China. Till now, Yuhang district has collected more than 300 hand prints of China Opera Plum Blossom Award winners, 70 of which are going to be exhibited here during this festival. Xingguang Yuan will become the exhibition center for traditional Chinese opera research in the future.

Yuhang district also recommends two new travel routes during the plum blossom festival, one of which will bring you to the famous historical town Tangxi.

Tangxi is an ancient water town located at Yuhang district in the northern suburb of Hangzhou. The relic sites include the largest stele of Qianlong, an emperor of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911 AD), and many old houses and streets of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD).

Plum blossoms in full bloom at Chaoshan Scenic Spot in Yuhang district of  Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on February 25, 2010.  [Photo: zjol.com.cn]

Admission for Chaoshan Scenic Spot:
40 yuan per person