A Spring Letter: A Floral Rendezvous at Xuanwu Lake's Yingzhou Isle

Spring is the season for communing with nature, and Yingzhou Isle in Nanjing's Xuanwu Lake is the perfect choice for a spring outing and flower viewing. Keep this guide handy for an immersive experience of Yingzhou's spring beauty. 📍 Location: No. 1 Xuanwu Alley, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 🎫 Tickets: Free! Free! Free! (Important things must be said three times.) Enjoy incredible value and flower viewing freedom. ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day, year-round. However, for spring flower viewing, we recommend 9-11 am or 3-5 pm for soft lighting and stunning photos. 🚗 Transportation Guide Subway: Take Nanjing Subway Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station. Follow the signs to the Xuanwumen entrance, and your Yingzhou flower viewing journey begins within minutes. Bus: Many bus routes, including 1, 8, 25, 28, and 30, stop at Xuanwu Lake Park Station, offering convenient access. 🌸 Flower Varieties and Locations 1. Cherry Blossoms: Blooming from mid-March to early April, cherry blossoms adorn Yingzhou's Cherry Blossom Avenue. The trees lining the avenue transform overnight, donning pink and white attire. As the breeze blows, petals fall like snow, creating picture-perfect moments. 2. Peach Blossoms: Blooming from March to April, large peach blossom forests can be found near the water's edge and pavilions of Yingzhou. The pink blossoms complement the emerald lake and classical architecture, exuding a charming Jiangnan ambiance. 3. Tulips: Blooming from late March to late April, tulips are mainly concentrated in Lovers' Garden. With a vibrant array of colors—red like fire, pink like clouds, and white like snow—the swaying tulips resemble a colorful oil painting. 4. Crabapple Blossoms: Blooming in April, Yingzhou's Crabapple Garden showcases various crabapple varieties, including weeping and Xifu crabapples. The blossoms cluster on branches, appearing delicate and vibrant. 📸 Photo Spots 1. Yingzhou Corridor: With blooming cherry blossoms as a backdrop, the corridor is ideal for portraits and full-body shots. 2. Waterside Boardwalk: Capture layered photos with the water and blossoming trees on the opposite bank as your background, creating a spring atmosphere. 3. Lovers' Garden Cupid Square: The European-style architecture and blooming tulips create a scene reminiscent of Dutch flower fields. 🍜 Food Recommendations 1. Lianhu Pastry Shop: Don't miss their sweet osmanthus rice pudding and red bean dumplings—a delightful treat for your taste buds. 2. Jiming Tangbao: Indulge in their juicy, flavorful soup dumplings, bursting with savory broth. Pair them with a bowl of duck blood vermicelli soup for a truly satisfying meal. ❗ Tips for Your Visit 1. Weekends and holidays can be crowded. For a more relaxed experience, visit on a working day. 2. Wear light-colored clothing, such as white, pink, or light blue, to complement the spring flowers. 3. Please respect the flowers and refrain from picking them. Let's appreciate their beauty responsibly. Yingzhou Isle in Xuanwu Lake offers a feast for the senses and the soul this spring. Come and experience the magic!