The Crabapple Blossoms of Shuangliu, Sichuan: A Unique Fame in the Land of Shu
The crabapple is a tree species, with buds pink, turning reddish-brown or purplish-brown when mature, renowned as the 'national beauty'. It is a plant native to China, typically growing on plains and mountains at altitudes ranging from 50 to 2000 meters above sea level.
Guo Zhen (courtesy name Yuanzhen), a famous general and chancellor of the Tang Dynasty, once composed a poem about the crabapple: 'Like peach and plum, it blooms in season, but does not follow the east wind to grow everywhere. Suspecting that other places disdain planting it, it alone gains fame in the land of Shu.' Some have researched why the crabapple enjoys unique fame in Shu. According to Guo Zhen, in Sichuan, the crabapple is a wild mountain flower—beautiful but with a short blooming period and low practical value in fruit, making it hard to promote. After the Tang Dynasty, large-scale cultivation occurred, mainly for the tree’s utility and strong ornamental appeal. However, due to difficulties in management, it is believed that other regions disliked planting it, and only Sichuan saw it flourish. Thus, the Sichuan crabapple became famous. Today, in Shuangliu, Sichuan, the crabapple park is in full bloom. People choose to admire spring by visiting the crabapple blossoms in the park, where among the garden’s full spring scenery, the crabapple enjoys the greatest renown.
In downtown Chengdu, it is quite close to the Crabapple Park. Take Metro Line 3 toward the southwest direction to Dongsheng Station in Shuangliu, and after a short walk, you will reach Tanghu Park. This is a classical garden featuring crabapple trees and a lake, known as a brilliant pearl among western Sichuan gardens. The lake is named after the crabapple, hence the name 'Tanghu Park'. Around the lake, more than ten scenic spots have been built, each with its own unique charm and character. The park currently has three open gates: the main gate at the northeast corner, the east gate, and the south gate. I entered through the main gate.
There is no need to memorize the names of every scenic spot in the park. As you stroll among the scattered pavilions, terraces, towers, kiosks, corridors, shrines, and pagodas, you can imagine they combine the beauty of various places across China: the peach and willow long causeways of West Lake, the garden pavilions of Suzhou, the rippling blue waters of Dian Lake, the winding paths of Huaxi, and more. Today, we appreciated the grand, composite style of ancient Chinese imperial gardens, enjoyed the richness of classical Chinese poetry, and felt the profound influence of China’s long history and culture. It was indeed a wonderful garden visit.
Travel Notes: 1. Crabapple blossoms in Shuangliu, Sichuan 2. Stroll around the lake, enjoy the scenery and flowers 3. Conclusion Travel Information Hotel Index Strategy Index Flight Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Corporate Travel Index Cooperation Alliance Distribution Alliance Friendship Links Corporate Gift Card Purchase Insurance Agency Agency Cooperation Hotel Franchise Destination and Attraction Cooperation More Cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Highlights Contact Us Careers User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure
