“Whispers of Spring: Cherry Blossoms by Kunming Lake”

#cherryblossom25 Though Kunming Lake (昆明湖) is most famously associated with the Summer Palace in Beijing (not to be confused with the city of Kunming itself), it becomes a spectacular cherry blossom viewing destination every spring. Nestled within the vast imperial gardens of the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake’s shorelines and islands come alive with soft, fluttering sakura against a backdrop of ancient bridges, pavilions, and palace walls. Typically blooming between late March and early April, the cherry blossoms here offer an elegant, deeply historical hanami experience—combining the majesty of imperial China with the fleeting, tender beauty of spring. Why It’s Special: Cherry blossom season at Kunming Lake isn’t just a celebration of flowers—it’s a celebration of harmony: water, stone, sky, history, and nature all blending into one timeless scene. It’s a place where spring feels grand yet peaceful, rich with centuries of imperial stories yet fresh with every falling petal. For those visiting Beijing in springtime, a stroll or boat ride along Kunming Lake during cherry blossom season is an unforgettable way to experience both the romance of sakura and the legacy of old China.