An azalea special exhibition has officially opened at Hangzhou Botanical Garden, with its duration extending until April 14. 

Azaleas are one of China's Top 10 Flowers, known as the “Xishi (a lady with fairy allure in Chinese legends) in the Kingdom of Flowers”. Annually, the azalea exhibition at the Botanical Garden is a highly anticipated springtime floral event for local residents. This year's exhibition is divided into two sections: one featuring azaleas grown in the ground and the other one full of potted azaleas. A variety of colorful azaleas have adorned the garden, creating a vivid and charming scene reminiscent of a profusion of wildflowers blooming in the mountains.

The said ground area actually refers to the maple property within the garden. The maple section, founded in 1958, is thronged with maple trees and azaleas. To please visitors with azaleas in springtime and maple leaves in the fall season, the section houses more than 200 species (including varieties) of azaleas, with the like of White-haired rhododendron, Splendid Azalea, and Mountain Glow Azalea, separately found in the general area, boutique area, variety area, and self-breeding hybrid area. The pot area is located at Yuquan. More than 60 pots of azaleas are placed on the Chinese antique racks and shelves on both sides of the Yuquan Fish Pool, giving rise to a multi-layer effect.  

Notably, the garden also features a concurrent exhibition of rare and endangered potted plants, including Chinese weight trees, Dove Trees, Tianmu ironwood, and Summer Wax-plums, thereby showcasing the eco-building progress made within the West Lake scenic area. It is also a good place allowing visitors to gain understanding and appreciation for the protection and renovation of the regional ecology.

“Most cherished are the azaleas in full bloom, their splendor fleeting with the spring breeze, making each encounter unique.” Amidst the warm spring sunshine, let’s seize the opportunity to bring along friends for a rendezvous brimming with azaleas.