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A festival of color blossoms on Wushan Hill
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THE traditional Wushan Hill Hydrangeas Festival is now in full swing with the blossom estimated to last through July 1.
Hydrangeas become wanghong (Internet celebrities) every early summer in Hangzhou. Their flowering comes in periods and is usually followed by a drop in the seasonal temperature. The earliest starts from early May while the last blooms could flower as late as early July.
This year, the management committee of the Wushan Hill Scenic Area has introduced new varieties from Italy, the Netherlands and Japan. A total of 90 types from home and abroad, including pink, blue, white and red, have dotted nooks and footpaths in the area.
The petal color depends on the relative acidity of the soil. Acidic soil usually produces colors closer to blue, whereas an alkaline soil often grows pink flowers.
In Hangzhou, hydrangeas are some of the most common ornamental flowers in urban areas. People name them ziyang (literally “purple sun” in Chinese) and baxian (literally “eight immortals”) flowers, endowing them with poetic elements.
Common hydrangeas feature two flower arrangements. One is characterized by large round flowerheads that resemble the head of a mop. The other bears flat flowerheads with a center core of subdued flowers surrounded by outer rings of showy flowers.
This year, the festival features Chinese lanterns. Due to COVID-19, the traditional Wushan Hill lantern show was canceled during Chinese New Year, and the flower festival is making up for that.
Organizers have set up conventional dragon, phoenix, deer and floral-shaped lanterns amidst the flowers.
Craftspeople have used bamboo strips to produce lantern frames in various sizes and shapes. These ornate lanterns will light the Wushan area. This may be the most visually stunning view in the city now, as the lanterns create a kaleidoscope of colors.
Chenghuang Pavilion, at the top of Wushan Hill, is considered as the best spot to view the lantern show panorama. At night, the illuminated pavilion is a landmark of Hangzhou. People can enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake as well as the city.
Chenghuang Pavilion, literally translated as “city god pavilion,” is now an epitome of the city’s soul. The seven-story building is home to the past, present and future aspirations of the city.
The pavilion is open at night, so it’s worth checking out for sunsets and night views. It is the best place to enjoy a fresh mountain breeze.
For years, Wushan Hill has been taken as an education center to popularize knowledge of hydrangeas and local crafts. During the flower festival, organizers will invite craftspeople to create paper cuts and knicknacks themed on hydrangeas.
Jiangyangfan Park is also ablaze with hydrangeas now. Bulrushes and pinewoods create beautiful backdrops for shutterbugs.
The park is also filled with cosmos flowers with pink, purple and white blooms. Just immerse yourself in what appears to be an ocean of flowers. Observe closely and watch butterflies and dragonflies dancing among them.
This park is situated in a marshland nestled between two hills. Previously, the area was packed with sludge dredged from West Lake. With time though, seeds in the sludge began to sprout.
Today, the park boasts some 200 species of plants and 90 types of birds.
Where to enjoy the flower
Hangzhou has a long history of cultivating hydrangeas. Following are some ideal spots covered with vibrant blossoms through July.
Downtown areas:
Wushan Hill
Date: Through July 1
Admission: 30 yuan for visitors, free for Wushan Hill ticket holders
Address: 1 Yan’an Rd
延安路1号
Jiangyangfan Park
Date: Through early July
Admission: Free
Address: 7 Huyu Rd
虎玉路7号
Other areas:
Gongshu District: Daguan Park, Banshan Park, Fangjiadai Park, Chanhuagang Park and Xitang River Park
Shangcheng District: Hebin Water Park
Jianggan District: Chengdong Park, Kaixuan Sports Park, Donghu Road Citizen Park and Kaixuan Park
Xiacheng District: Caodang Park and Gengshan Grand Canal Park
Xihu District: Jialuyuan Park and Lianhuagang Hebin Park
Binjiang District: Yongjiu River Park and Gaojiao Park
Yuhang District: Citizen Square, Shuijing Park and Wanyue Street
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