One of the most romantic things to do in spring is to enjoy flowers: magnolias, cherry and peach blossoms in March; Lady Banks’ rose, peony, wisteria and begonia blossoms in April; Chinese rose blossoms in May; big-leaf hydrangea and lotus in June. For flower lovers, the banks of Jinji Lake are well worth a visit.

Magnolia flowers

Flowering period: February-March

Recommended places: Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre; Peach Blossom Island; the footpath around Jinji Lake; and Camphor Tree Garden

Cherry blossoms

Flowering period: March-April

Recommended places: SCEC Square; the area under the flyover of Suzhou Center; west of Suzhou Avenue; and Yuelang Street

Peach blossoms

Flowering period: March-April

Recommended place: Peach Blossom Island

Lady Banks’ roses

Flowering period: April-May

Recommended place: Jinji Lake Scenic Area Left Bank Tourist Center

Peony flowers

Flowering period: April-May

Recommended place: Peony Garden, Hubin Avenue

Wisteria blossoms

Flowering period: April-May

Recommended place: The section of the lakeside footpath near Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre

Begonia blossoms

Flowering period: April-May

Recommended places: Peach Blossom Island; and the section of the lakeside footpath near Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre

Chinese roses

Flowering period: May-October

Recommended place: Ouyue Garden, Hubin Avenue

Big-leaf hydrangea flowers

Flowering period: June-August

Recommended place: Hydrangea Garden, Hubin Avenue

Lotus

Flowering period: June-September

Recommended place: The section of Hubin Avenue near Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre.