The Ultimate Guide to Plum Blossom Viewing at the Botanical Garden—Don't Miss Out!

A gentle spring breeze awakens the plum blossom-viewing DNA of Hangzhou residents! When it comes to the best plum blossom viewing spots in Hangzhou, Lingfeng must be on the list. Here, centuries-old plum trees bloom freely, and thousands of plum blossoms compete for attention, creating a grand floral spectacle. Today, we'll share some secret routes with fewer crowds and more blossoms, along with exclusive photography tips. After reading this, you'll gain ten years' worth of plum blossom viewing experience in seconds. Save this now! 👇 Locals' Secret Route Qingzhiwu Entrance → Pinmei Garden (1 hr) → Yaotai (Overlooking the sea of flowers) → Seven Star Ancient Plum (0.5 hr) → Lamei Garden (Fragrance) → Yuquan Yuyue Exit Important Reminder: Entering through the Qingzhiwu side gate can save you 20 minutes compared to the main entrance, allowing you to start your plum blossom viewing journey effortlessly! Recommended Viewing Spots - Grassland Plum Blossoms: Red and white plum blossoms intertwine on the lawn, forming a plum grove. Many families bring picnic blankets to bask in the sun and enjoy a relaxing time. Here, panoramic photos are ideal, capturing the vast expanse of blossoms and the beauty of spring. - Pinmei Garden: Carefully arranged pavilions, terraces, and waterside pavilions complement the plum blossoms, creating an elegant scene. As the main plum blossom viewing area, it naturally attracts the most visitors. Don't miss this unique elegance. - Seven Star Ancient Plum: Located at the highest point of the route, this area is quieter and less crowded than Pinmei Garden. Legend has it that the plum trees were planted by monks from Lingfeng Temple. After centuries, only seven clusters remain, arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper, full of charm. Photography Tips for Stunning Shots - Pinmei Garden East Wall Moon Gate: Frame the plum blossoms through the moon gate, with Yaotai in the background. Press the shutter, and a poetic image is captured. - Seven Star Plum Viewing Pavilion Stone Bench: Sit on the stone bench and take a downward shot of your feet and the fallen blossoms. No need to show your face; the atmosphere is enough to create a stunning photo. - Lamei Garden Bamboo Fence: Use backlight to photograph the petals, which appear translucent like colored glass. The bokeh creates golden light spots, dreamy and enchanting. Things to Avoid - Weekend Visits: After 10 am on weekends, Pinmei Garden becomes extremely crowded. It's recommended to do the opposite, heading to the summit first to avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely viewing experience. - Parking Tips: Parking at Qingzhiwu costs 20 yuan/hour, which is not cost-effective. Consider parking at the Yellow Dragon Sports Center. Although it requires a 15-minute walk, it can save you a lot on parking fees. - Respectful Viewing: Please do not touch the centuries-old plum trees! Some fences have humorous "Bad Luck Transfer Warning" signs. Please be respectful and appreciate these precious plum blossoms. Transportation Guide - Tickets: 10 yuan (free entry with a park card). Opening hours are 6:30 am - 5:30 pm. - Transportation: Take Metro Line 3, exit at Huanglongdong Station (Exit C), and it's a convenient 10-minute bike ride to the garden.