SHENZHEN has just been named as one of the top 20 destinations in China to enjoy flowers. Starting this weekend, people in Shenzhen can go to the city’s highest mountain, Wutong Mountain, to view the blooming rhododendron moulmainense (毛棉杜鵑) and take delight in their elegant beauty. Rhododendron moulmainense is a flowering evergreen shrub native to South China and Southeast Asia. The pink or red flowers on Wutong Mountain are the world’s only alpine rhododendron flower grown in a metropolis. These flowers’ blooming period in the city lasts until early April and the mountain is hosting the eighth Rhododendron Moulmainense Festival with a string of events. Recommended spots to enjoy the flowers on the mountain are: Rhododendron Valley 杜鵑谷 Located near Little Wutong Square (小梧桐廣場), Rhododendron Valley is a 20-hectare place where one can view the flowers from various angles. Immersed yourself in the lush forest and ramble in a sea of flowers. Best viewing period: Through March 24 Wanhuaping 萬花屏 More than 1,000 rhododendron moulmainense trees in Wanhuaping present a spectacular view. It also features an old rhododendron tree, measuring over 10 meters tall, and is estimated to be more than 100 years old. Best viewing period: March 20-31 Tofu Hilltop 豆腐頭 As the second-highest peak of Wutong Mountain, Tofu Hilltop is renowned for its flamboyant red rhododendron simsii (映山紅). The flower’s Chinese name, meaning “mountains tinged with red,” vividly depicts the bright red flowers when they are in full bloom. Best viewing period: Through March 24 Rhododendron Corridor 十里杜鵑長廊 Along the 2-kilometer-long Rhododendron Corridor which stretches between the TV tower on the Little Wutong and Good Man Slope (好漢坡), hikers can also appreciate camellia (茶花), enkianthus quinqueflorus (吊鐘花), rhododendron farrerae (丁香杜鵑), rhodoleia championii (紅花荷) and more than 10 species of rhododendron flowers. One can get a quick access to Rhododendron Valley, Wanhuaping and Tofu Hilltop while going through the corridor. In addition to the splendid flower sceneries, one can also enjoy the gorgeous view of the sea and the mountain. Best viewing period: Through March 25 Classical music concerts Locals can listen to soothing classical music concerts in the forest presented by the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, Shenzhen Grand Theater’s Philharmonic Orchestra and Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. Time: 7:40-8:50 p.m., March 17-19 Venue: Xiantong Sports Park (仙桐體育公園) Ballad concerts Spend a cozy afternoon by enjoying mellow ballad gigs when admiring fresh flowers on the mountain. Time: 2 p.m., March 18-19 Venue: Little Wutong Square (小梧桐廣場) Floral art and multimedia show Potted rhododendron flowers and floral arrangement works are on display while an immersive multimedia exhibition is also ongoing to show the beauty of the flowers. Dates: Until April 2 Venue: Fenghuangtai (鳳凰臺) Guided tours Staffers on the mountain will give visitors free guides and share knowledge on flowers. Time: 10-11 a.m., 3-4 p.m., March 18-19, 25-26 Venues: Rhododendron Valley, Wanhuaping, Fenghuangtai Chinese folk concerts Relax yourself by enjoying traditional Chinese music, with performers dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, which will provide a picturesque scene against the backdrop of mountain flowers. Time: 11-11:30 a.m., 2:30-4 p.m., March 18-19, 25-26, April 1-2 Venues: Rhododendron Valley, Wanhuaping, Fenghuangtai There are several trails to climb the mountain: If you arrive at Liantang Metro Station (蓮塘地鐵站), take Dengyun Trail (登云道) which offers good shade under the trees. If you stop at Wutong Mountain South Metro Station (梧桐山南地鐵站), go along Lingyun Trail (凌云道), which is a stiff and difficult route. If you go from Shatoujiao Metro Station (沙頭角地鐵站), take Bitong Trail (碧桐道) which offers spectacular views but is very challenging. If you get out of Shenwai Senior Campus Metro Station (深外高中地鐵站), you can reach the Big Wutong (大梧桐) peak or Good Man Slope by climbing Xiutong Trail (秀桐道) and then walk westward to admire flowers. If you want to enter the mountain through its north gate, take buses such as 211, B699 or M445 and then climb along Wutong Mountain North Road (梧桐山北路). No Metro stations are near the north gate. Outside the north entrance, you can also walk along Wangtong Road (望桐路) for 200 meters to reach Wutong Mountain Art Township (梧桐山藝術小鎮) where you can wander in painting, design, sculpture and music studios, find some chic or vintage gadgets in small shops or have a bite of local specialty food. (Cao Zhen) | 