Flowers have their appointments, spring does not delay. In April, the fragrant blooms emerge as the spring breeze sweeps across the land, coaxing open the buds ready to bloom. Amidst the peach blossoms and willow greens of spring, a patch of gold attracts people’s attention, adorning the early spring colors, blooming sincerely and passionately, swaying in the wind, uniquely announcing the breath of spring.
However, a question that troubles everyone arises: those clusters of small yellow flowers, are they Yingchunhua (Spring Flower) or Lianqiao (Forsythia)? Don’t worry, today let’s take a look at the differences between them!
Different Families
Yingchunhua is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family;
Lianqiao is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Forsythia genus of the Oleaceae family.
Different Branches
Yingchunhua has drooping branches, twisted tips, smooth and hairless, with green four-angled young branches;
Lianqiao has branches that spread or droop, brown, brownish-yellow, or light yellow-brown, with young branches being yellowish-brown or gray-brown, slightly four-angled.
Different Petals
Yingchunhua has yellow corollas, with small leaf-like bracts, and flowers are solitary in the leaf axils of last year’s young branches, usually with 5-6 petals;
Lianqiao has yellow corollas, usually solitary or 2 to several flowers in the leaf axils, typically with 4 petals.
Different Flower Shapes
Yingchunhua has a distinct trumpet-shaped flower tube; Lianqiao does not.
Different Flowering Periods
In northern regions, most Yingchunhua flowers bloom earlier than Lianqiao flowers.
Whether it is Yingchunhua or Lianqiao, they are both messengers of spring. In the warm spring when all things revive, not only do these sister flowers bloom in competition at the National Botanical Garden, but also other spring flowers such as plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and magnolias bloom successively, together with the new buds and tender willows, painting a colorful spring picture.
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Flower Viewing Map
Opening Hours
The National Botanical Garden (North Garden) opens at 6:00 AM, stops admitting visitors at 8:00 PM, and closes at 9:00 PM.
The Science Popularization Hall, Exhibition Greenhouse, Bonsai Garden, Reclining Buddha Temple, and Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall: open at 8:00 AM, stop admitting visitors at 5:00 PM, and close at 5:30 PM.
The National Botanical Garden (South Garden) opens at 8:00 AM, stops admitting visitors at 5:00 PM, and closes at 6:00 PM.
Exhibition Greenhouse: opens at 8:30 AM, stops admitting visitors at 5:30 PM, and closes at 6:00 PM.
Annual Ticket Usage
During the peach blossom viewing season, the park’s annual ticket can be used normally in the National Botanical Garden North Garden on weekdays (Monday to Friday). On weekends and holidays, it is recommended to avoid peak visiting hours from 10 AM to 2 PM for a more pleasant experience. The National Botanical Garden North Garden Exhibition Greenhouse and Reclining Buddha Temple require separate reservations for ticket purchases. The National Botanical Garden South Garden does not accept the park’s annual ticket.
Cherry Valley Mist
During the Qingming Festival, May Day, and National Day holidays, the mist will be open from 9 AM to 10 AM; from after the Qingming Festival to late October, the mist will be open every weekend from 9 AM to 10 AM. Opening times may be adjusted based on weather, equipment operation, and safety of the scenic area.
Contact Number
National Botanical Garden (North Garden) 010-82598771
National Botanical Garden (South Garden) 010-62836180
Friendly Reminder
In spring, the grass and trees are lush, and flowers are in full bloom. Beautiful landscapes need everyone’s joint maintenance. During your visit, please do not climb trees, pick flowers and plants, trample on lawns, or cross barriers. Please do not bring fire into the park, and do not smoke. Let us enjoy the park in a civilized manner together.
Photos by丨Meng Qinbei
Editor丨Meng Qinbei
Reviewed by丨Chen Hongyan, Chen Yu, Wang Xin