In 2025, the purple sea of flowers at Maojiabu, Hangzhou, arrives as expected!

Everyone is familiar with *Orychophragmus violaceus*. This plant, belonging to the *Orychophragmus* genus of the Brassicaceae family, is also known as Zhuge cai, Zijin cao, and February orchid. Its flowers are generally purple, light red, or white, and bloom from March to May, with fruits appearing from May to June. Distributed in parks, forest edges, city streets, and areas along highways or railways, it transforms into a "purple sea of flowers" with the arrival of spring! Amazingly, *Orychophragmus violaceus*, also known as Zhuge cai, has a historical connection to Zhuge Liang. Facing food shortages, Zhuge Liang ordered his soldiers to dig for wild vegetables, and the most commonly found vegetable was this *Brassica rapa*. Thus, this *Brassica rapa*, discovered and promoted by Zhuge Liang, was later named "Zhuge cai." Today, *Orychophragmus violaceus* can be eaten as a wild vegetable and used medicinally, serving as an excellent remedy for cardiovascular patients. It's truly extraordinary! So, where can you admire *Orychophragmus violaceus*? I recommend the hidden gem of Maojiabu in Hangzhou. Now, in spring, the purple sea of flowers arrives as expected. Invite your friends and family to enjoy this springtime spectacle together—and it's free! Maojiabu in Hangzhou was initially known for its many Mao families. Later, it became bustling due to the "Incense Offering Ancient Road," leading to a gathering of merchants and a proliferation of teahouses and taverns. After the decline of water transportation, it was divided into Upper Maojiabu (village) and Lower Maojiabu (natural scenery), gradually becoming a rare tranquil spot by West Lake. Stroll along the winding wooden paths through sparse bamboo and reeds, or sit quietly in a thatched pavilion and listen to the wind, and the "lightly adorned" West Lake will appear before your eyes. In early spring 2025, *Orychophragmus violaceus* blooms quietly in Maojiabu, resembling a "secret spring realm of West Lake." Although the flowers aren't abundant, as you walk along the wooden boardwalk of the "Incense Offering Ancient Road," you'll spot dotted blue-purple flowers in the moist soil beside it, like blue jade scattered among the green grass, captivating your heart. Compared to the bustling plum blossom viewing, the *Orychophragmus violaceus* in Maojiabu blooms serenely, vibrantly, and peacefully. Walking or boating through it feels like being in an oil painting! For first-time visitors, I recommend the following route: Upper Maojiabu (village) > Du Jinsheng's Former Residence (plum blossom area) > Maoxiang Water Scene > Yujian Bridge > Shades of Green Reaching the Sky > Quiet Fun with the Mountain > A Mirror of Fragrance > Wooden Boardwalk (*Orychophragmus violaceus* area) > Clear Ravine > Fanggui Pavilion > Jingyun > Yanggong Causeway > Banyin Pavilion > Zhao Zhiqian Memorial Pavilion > Stone Path > Maojiabu Lake Area > Upper Maojiabu (village). This loop takes you through nature, with ancient trees, plum blossoms, *Orychophragmus violaceus*, wooden boardwalks, pavilions, and celebrity residences, giving Maojiabu a refreshing atmosphere. It's a perfect place for walking with children, picnics, and photography, and best of all, it's less crowded, so you don't have to worry about the crowds! If you have more time, you can bring a tent and canopy, spread out a picnic blanket, sit by the lake with your family, enjoy the breeze and snacks, and relax. Children can catch crabs and small fish on the stone beach and have a great time. The entire trip takes about 3 hours and is suitable for hiking, family outings, and trips with children. Nearby attractions include Guo Zhuang, Yanggong Causeway, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Huagang Park, and Project 704, which you can visit together if you'd like. Transportation: By bus: Take bus routes 27B, 27, 87, 197, 510, 1314, or 1314 Interval to Maojiabu Station. By car: Navigate to "Du Jinsheng's Former Residence - Southwest Gate Ground Parking Lot." Parking is readily available. Practical information about Maojiabu Scenic Area, Hangzhou: Free admission, open all day, no reservation required. Located at No. 17 Yanggong Causeway, Santai Mountain, Xihu District, Hangzhou City (Longjing Road intersection). Choose the appropriate transportation method. So, are you interested in Maojiabu Scenic Area in Hangzhou? Feel free to leave a comment and discuss!