An Encounter Walking with Medicinal Plants

If the joy of a zoo lies in interacting with life, then the charm of a botanical garden is a soulful dialogue with tranquility and vitality. The moment you step into Shanghai Botanical Garden, the city's noise is gently blocked by a lush green barrier. Act One: Cherry Blossoms Dancing, a Springtime Romance The primary goal of this trip is to chase that fleeting blush of spring. Entering through Gate 2 and walking along the main path, the cherry blossom area soon comes into view. Here, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, like clouds and rosy clouds, weaving a pink sky. A gentle breeze stirs, and petals fall softly, creating a tender yet resolute cherry blossom rain. Visitors pause to take photos or sit on the ground, while children laugh and run in the flower rain. At this moment, no words are needed—just quietly savor this infinitely extended springtime beauty. I suddenly understand why people are always willing to chase cherry blossoms; what they teach us is to cherish the ultimate beauty of the present. Act Two: Greenhouse Encounters and the Unintentional Wisdom of Herbal Medicine Leaving the cherry blossoms behind, we stroll toward the exhibition greenhouse deep within the garden. Inside is another world, where tropical rainforest ferns grow wildly, and the cactus shapes in the desert plant area are striking. The real surprise comes from a modest special exhibition—the "Medicinal Plant Exhibition." In a delicate display area, those flowers and plants we usually overlook are labeled, revealing their other identities. · Salvia miltiorrhiza with small purple flowers, labeled "promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis"; · Ordinary-looking mint, whose cool fragrance has long been a summer refreshment companion; · The elegant peony, whose root is actually a good pain reliever; · And honeysuckle, scutellaria, houttuynia... each like a sage hidden in the mountains, quietly revealing their secrets of health protection here. This fascinated me greatly. It turns out many plants around us are not only a visual delight but also a "natural medicine cabinet" full of life wisdom. This accidental encounter added a layer of knowledge and culture to the entire garden visit. Act Three: Four Seasons Garden, a Changing Landscape with Every Step The charm of the botanical garden also lies in its richness and layers. We wander through the bonsai garden, appreciating art in miniature; feel the serene "bamboo forest breeze" in the bamboo garden; though the peony garden is not in full bloom, one can still imagine its majestic splendor when flowering. Each specialized garden is an independent poem, together composing the symphony of the botanical garden’s seasonal cycle. Azaleas in spring, lotus flowers in summer, osmanthus in autumn, wintersweet in winter—whenever you visit, it always has its most captivating face. Visitor Tips: 1. Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Shilong Road Station, then walk to the garden; very convenient. 2. Best Season: Spring (late March to April) is undoubtedly the golden time for cherry blossoms and various flowers. But other seasons also have their own charm. 3. Itinerary Suggestion: The garden is vast; comfortable shoes are recommended, and allow at least 4-5 hours. Check the official website or public account in advance for any special exhibitions (like the Medicinal Plant Exhibition) or flower updates. 4. Essentials: Camera, drinking water, some snacks, and a heart eager to discover subtle beauty. When the sunset’s afterglow gilds the trees, we reluctantly leave. The trip to Shanghai Botanical Garden is not only a visual feast but also a natural healing experience. It made me remember the romance of the cherry blossom rain and gain unexpected knowledge about herbal medicine. Here, every leaf breathes, every flower tells a story, as long as you are willing to pause and listen closely. This is a city oasis worth visiting repeatedly, and I am already looking forward to my next seasonal rendezvous with it.