37 and Single? So What? I Captured My Dreamy Cherry Blossom Photos at Shangfang Mountain

🌸2025 Cherry Blossom Viewing Calendar ▪️Early Bloomers: Mar 20–25 (Visit the ancient Ji'jian Temple for the first blush of pink) ▪️Peak Bloom: Apr 1–10 (Witness the explosion of cherry blossoms accompanied by the bells of Zhiping Temple) ▪️Late Bloom: Apr 15–20 (Savor Biluochun tea by Shihu Lake while enjoying the snow-like remnants of cherry blossoms) 🏯【Zen Exploration: A Three-Part Journey】 ❶ Ji'jian Temple: Whispers of Cherry Blossoms and Stone Buddhas ▪️Remnants of a Southern Dynasty Temple: Gaze upon the Yuan Dynasty stone Buddha statues peeking through the cherry blossom branches. ▪️Hidden Photo Spot: Capture the ancient scripture pillar and cherry blossoms together using a wide-angle lens from the east side of the Mahavira Hall, near the prayer flags. ▪️Cultural Tidbit: A Ming Dynasty scholar composed the "Twelve Chapters of Cherry Blossom Zen" here. Find a reprinted copy in the temple's tea room. ❷ Shihu Lake Pavilion: A Poetic Stroll ▪️Fan Chengda's Retreat: Follow the path where the Southern Song Dynasty poet once planted plum trees and discover the engraved poem "Cherry Blossom Valley." 🚌Practical Guide: Tickets & Transportation 🎫 Tickets ▫️40 CNY (half price for students/seniors 60+) ▫️Online Booking: Reserve your time slot 1 day in advance via the official "Suzhou Gardens Tourism" WeChat account. 🚇 Transportation ▫️Subway: Take Line 3 to Shihu North Station, then transfer to the "Cherry Blossom Express" bus (5-minute ride to the North Gate). Walking is also an option if the weather is nice. Walking is faster when there's traffic! ▫️Driving: Navigate to "Shangfang Mountain National Forest Park East Parking Lot" (plenty of parking before 8:30 am). 📜【A 37-Year-Old Solo Traveler's Cultural Notes】 ▪️Crowd-Beating Itinerary: Ascend the Lengjia Pagoda for a panoramic view of the cherry blossoms → Join a senior photography group around 10 am for free commentary. ▪️Solo Dining Delights: Pack a lacquered box filled with pine nut and jujube paste sesame cakes for a picnic at the Fan Ancestral Hall ruins. ⚠️【Tips for 37-Year-Old Solo Female Travelers】 ▪️Safety Warning: The back mountain has many forks and macaques 🐒. Do not approach them. ▪️Secret Route: Enter through the North Gate → Head straight to the Peacock Garden for photos of cherry blossoms and peacocks → Explore in reverse to avoid crowds. Follow me, your 37-year-old, single Suzhou sister, to learn how a solo travel checklist is more romantic than a marriage registration form 💕