Cherry blossom 樱花
Cherry blossoms may be associated with Japan, but actually they're from China. Yuyuantan Park has nearly 2,000 cherry blossom trees, making it the must-go spot for hanami, or flower viewing. Bring some tea (or sake).

Best viewing time: March 22 to the end of April
最佳观赏期：3月22日到4月底

Address: Yuyuantan Park, No.47 Sanlihe Lu, Haidian district
海淀区三里河路47号

Admission: 10 yuan

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Peach blossom 桃花
In China, viewing peach blossoms is supposed to bring good luck in love. More than 70 kinds of peach blossom in white, pink and red beckon from the Beijing Botanical Garden.

Best viewing time: March 22 to May 11
最佳观赏期:3月22日至5月11日

Address: Beijing Botanical Garden, Xiangshan Wofosi Lu, Haidian district
海淀区香山卧佛寺路

Admission: 10 yuan

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Lilac 丁香花
Lilac has a reputation as a poetic flower, as many Chinese poets left their verses under these trees. Jietai Temple has more than 1,100 thriving lilac trees, and the Temple of Heaven has more than 6,300 square meters dedicated to their cultivation.

Best viewing time: April 15 to May 15
最佳观赏期:4月15日至5月15日

Address: Fayuan Temple, No.7 Fayuansi Qianjie, Xuanwu district
宣武区法源寺前街7号
Jietai Temple, Ma'anshan, Mentougou district
门头沟区马鞍山

Admission: Fayuan Temple: 5 yuan, Jietai Temple: 35 yuan, The Temple of Heaven: 15 yuan

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Peony 牡丹花
With good reason, the peony is called "the king of flowers." Jingshan Park has around 150 different varieties of peony to view, and they'll be great through May.

Best viewing time: April 18 to the end of May
最佳观赏期:4月18日至5月底

Address: Jingshan Park, No.18 Jingshan Qianjie, Xicheng district
西城区景山前街18号

Admission: 5 yuan

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Tulip 郁金香
Zhongshan Park is running an exhibition of Holland's national flowers, and there are more than 500,000 tulips and 142 different breeds on view.

Best viewing time: April 15 to May 10
最佳观赏期:4月15日至5月10日

Address: Zhongshan Park, No.4 Zhonghua Lu, Dongcheng district
东城区中华路4号

Admission: 10 yuan