In ancient times, they said 'fireworks in March go down to Yangzhou'; now, we drive to Wuxi and Taizhou to chase flowers.

Every March and April, spring in Jiangnan arrives with overwhelming force, showing no hint of shyness or concealment. The cherry blossoms at Yuantouzhu in Wuxi and Jianzhen Road in Yangzhou, and the rapeseed flowers at Qianduo Town in Xinghua, Taizhou—none of these are not the best places to enjoy spring flowers. In our impression, when mentioning cherry blossom viewing in spring, we first think of Japan's cherry blossom season or viewing cherry blossoms at Wuhan University. But in fact, besides these two places, China has another very famous cherry blossom viewing spot: the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area in Wuxi, Jiangsu, one of the world's top three cherry blossom viewing destinations.

Spring 2021 arrived, and the pandemic prevention work finally saw the dawn of hope. As the restriction on leaving Shenzhen was lifted, my spouse and I decided to reward ourselves well. After half a month of preparation, we packed the DJI Mavic 2 we had just bought before the Chinese New Year and headed to the Jiangnan region, famed for the saying 'fireworks in March go down to Yangzhou,' to chase flowers and spring.

Day 1: March 22, Shenzhen - Nanjing - Wuxi

To catch the early flight, we left home at 4:30 AM and arrived at the airport at 5:00. After completing security checks and boarding, the plane took off on time. By 8:30 we were out of the airport, but our car rental staff hadn't arrived yet, so we waited in the terminal. At 9:20, the rental driver finally picked us up. Leaving the airport, the roadside was sunny and flowers were blooming brilliantly. The driver told us that Nanjing had been experiencing continuous spring rain for the past week, which only stopped on Saturday. It seemed we had good timing again. After completing the paperwork in the parking lot, we headed straight for Wuxi at 9:30.

We drove directly toward Chongshan Gate. Before the bridge on Huanhu Road, diligent traffic police had blocked the intersection, so we couldn't pass. We had to follow the traffic flow and turn right. Seeing the oncoming traffic stretching for kilometers, we decisively turned right at the ferry terminal intersection. Fortunately, both sides of Wangshan Road had been opened for parking. We found a spot, parked, and walked to the west side of Hubin Road Bridge to the entrance of Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, then took a bus to the visitor center.

We had already bought combo tickets that included the sightseeing car. After entering the gate, we found a long line of visitors waiting for the car. So we decided to walk slowly along the route: Chongshan Gate → Chongshan Yinxiu → Yixiu Bridge → Cherry Blossom Pavilion. Actually, the distance wasn't far, less than 2 kilometers. Passing through Chongshan Yinxiu and turning left up to Yixiu Bridge, we arrived soon. The scenery along the way was beautiful, which we would have missed if we took the car.

Yuantouzhu is one of the world's most beautiful flower seas. Its scenery is naturally formed, gathering the essence of Taihu Lake. As the great poet Guo Moruo wrote, 'The best part of Taihu Lake is indeed at Yuantouzhu.' Gazing at the Taihu landscape from here, how could one not be delighted?

The Cherry Blossom Pavilion is located in the core area of Yuantouzhu's cherry blossom forest and is an iconic architectural landscape. Climbing the pavilion and looking down, you can see cherry blossom seas covering the mountains and fields—the best place to view cherry blossoms in Yuantouzhu Scenic Area.

Entering Chongshan Yinxiu, there were spectacular unknown flowers on both sides of the lake.

Wind chimes hung on the cherry blossom trees around the Cherry Blossom Pavilion, ringing in the wind, adding to the atmosphere.

Climbing to the top of the Cherry Blossom Pavilion, overlooking the entire flower sea.

From March to May each year, the Cherry Blossom Festival is held. During the festival, there are local song and dance performances in the square in front of the Cherry Blossom Pavilion.

On the hillsides on both sides of the Ten-mile Flower Path, patches of rapeseed flowers and small purple flowers were planted, blending with red, white, and pink cherry blossoms, making them even more charming.

Along the Ten-mile Flower Path, many visitors wearing Hanfu stood on ladders to take photos, adding another beautiful scene.

Cherry Blossom Valley is located at the northern foot of Luding Mountain in Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, adjacent to and merged with the Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest. Covering an area of 200,000 square meters, it has over 30,000 cherry blossom trees of 68 varieties, making it the largest specialized cherry blossom garden in China.

Near 6 PM, on the Ten-mile Flower Path, visitors gradually dispersed. It seemed to become our exclusive theater, and we danced freely.

Strolling along the Ten-mile Flower Path, capturing the seasonal beauty.

In the evening, we climbed a small hill beside the Ten-mile Flower Path, greedily enjoying the sight of the sunset casting a different glow over the cherry blossoms covering the entire mountain.

Every spring, Yuantouzhu, located by Taihu Lake, is enveloped in a romantic pink. Visitors flock to Yuantouzhu just to see the blossoming cherry blossom sea.

We had brought all our gear this time. After exhausting all three batteries on the drone, I used the Zhiyun Smooth X for a selfie.

Starting March 19, Yuantouzhu opened its night cherry blossom park. Visitors could stay until 9 PM, enjoying the flowers under colorful lights. The cherry blossoms looked even more enchanting.

Day 2: March 23, Wuxi - Xinghua

After the previous night's trekking at Yuantouzhu, we slept until past 8 AM. We had breakfast at the hotel restaurant, then drove to Xinghua Qianduo Scenic Area in Taizhou, one of China's most beautiful rapeseed flower bases. Before even reaching the scenic area, the rapeseed flowers along the way already captivated our eyes. At Guangling Town exit, we couldn't wait to leave the highway and stop by a rapeseed flower field to take some photos.

These green wheat seedlings and fava bean plants were the first time my boss had ever seen them.

Another learning experience, right?

Back on the highway, after driving less than an hour, we finally arrived at Qianduo Scenic Area. After checking into our inn and having lunch, we bought tickets and entered the scenic area. On the way to the visitor center, we saw many people queuing to take boats at the dock, so I decided not to buy boat tickets. After entering, there were local cultural performances at the ferry dock.

After watching the performance, we walked along the raised paths, using our usual hiking energy, slowly heading deeper into the scenic area. Gradually, we left the crowds behind, escaping the noisy environment, and began to let ourselves go, playing freely.

Gradually, the sunset approached the horizon, and the afterglow slowly faded.

Only the two of us remained in the entire park. With the last bit of battery left, we took a photo in front of a heart-shaped scene.

Darling, are you willing to accompany me for a lifetime, traveling through the beautiful mountains and rivers of our motherland? I do.

Qianduo fields: a beautiful picture book of oracle bone script created by human hard work.

Little bees, buzzing, flying among the flowers.

Day 3: March 24, Xinghua - Yangzhou

After breakfast, we wandered around Dongwang Village for a while.

We originally wanted to go to Lizhong Water Forest Scenic Area to see those tall, straight metasequoias. But thinking that Yangzhou also had the Luyang Lake Wetland Park with similar metasequoias, we gave up on Lizhong and drove to Yangzhou to Luyang Lake Wetland Park.

Entering Luyang Lake, we saw a barrier woven by tall metasequoia trees. Unfortunately, the rainy season hadn't started yet, so black mud was exposed on the lake surface. The metasequoia branches had just sprouted green buds. Standing on the shore, looking at the uniform rows of trees on the lake, it felt like reviewing a well-trained army.

Leaving Luyang Lake, we listened to Tong Li's song 'Fireworks in March Go Down to Yangzhou' all the way. Crossing the Grand Canal, which was dug during the Sui Dynasty over a thousand years ago, we entered Yangzhou city, coveted by literati throughout history. We took a rickshaw and wandered around the old city.

Speaking of Yangzhou, my first impression came from Li Bai's poem:

My friend has left the west where the Yellow Crane towers,

For River Town veiled in green willows and red flowers.

His lessening sail is lost in the boundless blue sky,

Where I see but the endless River rolling by.

'Fireworks in March go down to Yangzhou.' Coming in spring, you must visit Slender West Lake. Slender West Lake is a long, narrow river that was a must-visit for Emperor Qianlong during his southern tours. Here, you can walk along the river and enjoy natural scenery, or enter pavilions and terraces to appreciate the poems and paintings of past literati. You can also take a boat and experience the carefree mood of Emperor Qianlong touring the lake.

I entered from the south gate on Dahongqiao Road and started sightseeing along the lake's ring road.

Slender West Lake is a famous lake garden with charming natural landscapes. In spring, green willows form shade, accompanied by camellias, pomegranates, azaleas, peach blossoms, and other flowering trees, attracting tourists from all over to go outing and enjoy the flowers.

This willow tree's trunk was hollow, and a small tree had grown out of the hollow trunk.

Willow trees on both banks were covered with green buds and leaves. Unfortunately, it was only March in the solar calendar, so the willows hadn't bloomed, let alone the sight of spring winds blowing the willow catkins, which look like smoke and mist floating in the air.

Five-Pavilion Bridge, also known as Lotus Bridge, has a history of over 200 years. Five pavilions are built on the bridge. On the night of the full moon, each of the fifteen bridge holes contains a moon. Together with the adjacent White Pagoda, it forms the symbol of Slender West Lake.

Twenty-Four Bridge is another famous scenic spot in the area, derived from Du Mu's poem: 'On the Twenty-Four Bridge on a moonlit night, where do you teach the jade beauty to play the flute?' The original bridge no longer exists; the one seen now is a reconstruction.

This area was also a must-visit for Emperor Qianlong during his southern tours. The architectural sights seen today, such as Dahong Bridge, Fishing Terrace, White Pagoda, and Xichun Terrace, all have anecdotes inseparably linked to Emperor Qianlong.

The cherry blossoms on Yangzhou's Jianzhen Road bloomed so brilliantly, filling both sides of the road with vitality. They were no less impressive than those at Yuantouzhu, and free of charge! The cherry blossom viewing route runs along Jianzhen Road and Xihu Road, which run east-west. People often stop under the cherry blossom trees on both sides of the road to take photos—white flowers like snow, pink flowers like makeup, brilliant along the entire avenue. The cherry blossoms in full bloom are like radiant clouds, embracing everything with gentle pink. Look at the blooming cherry blossoms, petals falling with the wind as if snowing. Various shades of pink, white, and red cherry blossoms hang from the branches, letting the spirit of spring overflow.

Day 4: Yangzhou - Nanjing

My first knowledge of Nanjing came from a primary school textbook about the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, China's first road-rail bridge built independently. Since childhood, I have been curious about that bridge—what kind of bridge could make the entire Chinese nation proud?

Leaving the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, we originally wanted to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to take a lesson in remembering history and staying true to our mission. But upon arrival, we learned that reservations were required, and none were available for today. We reserved for the next morning and went instead to visit the Ming City Wall.

When Zhu Yuanzhang built the city wall, the treasure basin donated by the immensely wealthy Shen Wanshan was buried in the eastern corner of the barbican.

Climbing the ancient city wall, there were few tourists. The old couple started their leisurely and carefree tour again.

As the lights came on, the decorative lights on the ancient city wall were also very colorful.

Seeing that it was getting dark, we had a clear view from the wall. Going down to the square, the city's light and shadow show had just begun.

Near the Nanjing Confucius Temple, we had some local Nanjing dishes and took a quick photo for check-in.

Day 5: March 26, Nanjing - Shenzhen 20:15-22:40 CZ6642

The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders was built to commemorate the brutal Nanjing Massacre carried out by the invading Japanese army after capturing China's capital Nanjing. It is an empirical, site-specific history museum that reminds the Chinese people of the nation's catastrophe and is the only museum in China dedicated to the Nanjing Massacre and the host of the National Memorial Day. We arrived at the reserved time, donated money to buy flowers, and followed the route seriously observing the various atrocities committed by the Japanese in our country. We deeply felt that without a strong nation, we would not have a happy life.

Leaving the memorial hall at noon, my boss chose a beautiful rural village close to the city—Bulao Village (the 'Never Aging Village')—as our last stop. The rolling old mountains of Nanjing's Pukou National Forest Park stretch for hundreds of miles, with undulating peaks, deep valleys, ancient trees, and lush bamboo forests. It is known as the 'Green Lung of Nanjing and Pearl of the North Bank.' Hidden deep in Laoshan Forest Park, Bulao Village is a unique tourist resort.

At 8:10 PM, we boarded the China Southern Airlines flight, satisfied and content, heading home to work for a living.