As gentle breezes carry floral scents across Beijing in May, the annual Beijing Chinese Rose Culture Festival kicks off as scheduled. As one of Beijing's premier flower-viewing destinations and a winner of the Award of Garden Excellence, the National Botanical Garden (North Garden) has entered the peak blooming season for its roses. Nearly 1,000 varieties and tens of thousands of blossoms are blooming one after another, forming an endless romantic sea of flowers.
Covering an area of 7 hectares, the large rose garden is divided into multiple themed exhibition areas including Rosa and old garden roses, floribunda roses, Austin roses and terraced gardens. It gathers more than 20 horticultural categories, earning it the reputation of a "Rose Museum". Old Chinese roses, hybrid tea roses, shrub roses, tree roses and miniature roses are scattered throughout the garden, presenting a gorgeous floral scene everywhere.
The internet-viral rose variety Promesse Eternelle, which recently went viral online for blooming along Beijing's Second and Third Ring Roads, can be admired up close here for an up-close photo experience. In the floribunda rose area south of the Science Popularization Hall, three large patches of Promesse Eternelle roses are flourishing with abundant blooms. Their soft petals and bright hues make for perfect summer snapshots without leaving the city or viewing them from afar.
Few people know that this wildly popular flower is not a new variety. It was granted plant variety rights back in 2016. After nearly a decade of careful cultivation and promotion, it has become a viral sensation this year. In the field of plant breeding, nearly a decade of dedication has culminated in this spectacular bloom, making its beauty all the more precious.
Besides Promesse Eternelle, many other popular rose varieties compete in beauty here. Classic cultivars such as Peace, Pink Remembrance, Pink Peace, Just Joey and Asagumo blossom gracefully. Featured varieties including Blue Storm, Newspaper & Magazine, Love & Peace, Na Bo Wan and Jieri Lihua also make a stunning appearance. Vivid red, soft pink, pure white and romantic purple petals unfurl layer by layer in the sunshine, filling the air with rich fragrance.
Beyond flower viewing, a variety of activities are also underway. A premium potted Chinese rose exhibition is underway on the west side of the rose garden, showcasing over 200 exquisite and rare potted rose plants with elegant shapes.
The garden also launches the science education program "Experts Guide You Through the World of Flowers and Plants". Professional rose experts give on-site lectures on variety identification, home gardening and care tips and new variety cultivation knowledge. Visitors of all ages can get close to nature and gain knowledge during the tour, enjoying both leisure and popular science.
The flower sea is now in its prime viewing period.
The overall blooming period will last until early June.
The Chinese Rose Culture Festival will run through June 8.
No need to travel far or brave the crowds. Come to the National Botanical Garden (North Garden) for a gentle encounter with Chinese roses, and savor some of Beijing's most beautiful early-summer moments amid floral fragrance across the city.
Photos via the National Botanical Garden
