Without the gentleness of spring peach blossom, the brightness of midsummer lotus, and the rich fragrance of autumn osmanthus, only the plum blossoms can bloom proudly in the freezing wind, exuding a faint scent. Indeed, they are the flowers that brighten the winter scenery.
Baotashan Park
5 km east of Zhejiang City, the Baotashan Park along the ancient canal is lively with the blooming winter plums. Among the nearly a thousand plum trees mainly in the orchard, half are yellow winter plums, while the red, pink, green and white blossoms also decorate the early spring with their fragrance. As the old saying goes, the flowers may be rare but vigorous, with the half-opened ones the most elegant. When clusters of buds are still asleep on the gnarled branches stretching in the air, it is the essence of plum appreciation.
Source: Zhenjiang Cultural Tourism Industry Group
Baotashan Park also has another name: Sino-Japanese Friendship Plum Cherry Garden. It was originally constructed for the establishment of friendship between Zhejiang and Japan in 1983. Later, it has become a theme park for Zhejiang’s foreign affairs. Therefore, from the floating faint fragrance in winter to the full bloom of plum blossoms in early spring followed by the romantic season for cherry blossoms, there is hardly a lack of vitality in the park. While appreciating the plum blossoms, you shouldn’t miss the Sakura House that combines the garden charm of both China and Japan. As you appreciate the cultural relics at the Sengjia Tower, you can also overlook the scenery of the Grand Canal and the Nanshan Mountains.
The Meiling Mountain Behind the Zhaoyin Temple of the Nanshan Mountains
Source: Journal of Zhenjiang Life
With cities hidden in mountains and mountains contained in cities, Zhenjiang is also known as an “Urban Forest.” The reputation is originally from the Nanshan Mountains, 4 km from the Baotashan Park. The praise of the mountains came from Mi Fu, a renowned painter and calligrapher in the Northern Song Dynasty. Living in Zhejiang with his son for over forty years, the Nanshan Mountains remained his favorite. There are four scenic areas in the Nanshan Mountains: the Zhaoyin Area, the Bamboo Forest, Huanghe Mountain and Jiuhua Mountain. The Meiling Mountain behind the Zhaoyin Temple is the main spot for plum blossom appreciation within the Nanshan Mountains. There is a total of 150 trees of winter and spring plums. Here, the “Millennium Plum Stumps” is also a scenery you shouldn’t miss. The stump of a plum tree is usually 40 cm in width and 90 cm in height. Once the weather picks up, the elegance and vitality of the tree will dazzle countless tourists
The Garden Views in Sanshan Mountains
At the riverside north of the Nanshan Mountains, there is the gorgeous view of the Sanshan Mountains of Zhenjiang: the Jinshan Mountain, the Jiaoshan Mountain, and the Beigushan Mountains. Although plum blossoms are not the main feature here, they form an irreplaceable element in the garden landscape, which shouldn’t be missed. 
In Jinshan Park, dozens of winter plums are scattered on the lawn by the river, adding a touch of color to the flowing water of the Yangtze River. Wandering towards the Imperial Dock, the faint scent of plum blossoms will follow you all the way. Besides, you shouldn’t miss the Hundred Blossom Field and the Furong Tower Area. Most plum trees of the Jiaoshan Area are in the Bonsai Garden. Wandering in the Stele Forest, it is also a pleasure to appreciate the calligraphy with the fragrance of plum blossom wafting in the air. The plum blossoms of the Beigu Mountain can only be seen on the mountain top. From the Beigu Tower, you can see the plum blossoms either hidden in the corners or blooming along the paths. As a poem goes, “What can be better than a few blooming branches over the window? A full bloom in the garden is even fresher than snow.”
The blooming time for flowers is always limited. However, the plum blossoms in Zhenjiang are far more than those thriving in the above-mentioned mountains and gardens. Whether on campus, on the roadside, or in an unknown park, there might be a great blooming waiting for you.
