Heralding the arrival of spring, the Beijing S2 railway line travels through this sea of blooming flowers at the foot of the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall in Beijing, on March 23.[Photo provided by Zhang Xiuke/For China Daily]
With the approach of Qingming, one of 24 solar terms, which means "clear and bright", the icy grip of winter has loosened. Warmth is spreading with the blow of gentle breeze. The country is brimming with blossoms and green grass, vivid and lively. It is now an apt time to go for a spring outing.
It is a time-honored custom to take a spring outing during Qingming. In the past, the people of China believed that after sheltering indoors during winter, both body and heart need to be refreshed by the embrace of spring, and a walk close to nature would be beneficial for their health. Just as one ancient scholar said, "It is a fine day the Qingming day. You may enjoy yourself outside but do not forget to go back."
Spring is in full bloom nationwide. From the blossoms and green willow in South China to the new flowers after the snow in Heilongjiang province and the spring train winding through a profusion of flowers at the foot of the Great Wall at Juyongguan, these scenes create a magnificent portrait of a beautiful China. They capture the diverse charms of the country and the vigorous energy of spring around Qingming.
Cycling enthusiasts ride through fields of rapeseed flowers in Shuangfeng county, Loudi city, Central China's Hunan province, on March 17.[Photo provided by Nai Jihui/For China Daily]
Children participate in a spring outing and educational activity at a large cherry blossom park in Quanjiao county, Chuzhou city, East China's Anhui province, on March 21.[Photo provided by Ji Chengjun/For China Daily]
A lady poses with a kite amid vibrant flowers in Jiajiang county, Leshan city, Southwest China's Sichuan province, on March 10.[Photo provided by Kong Sheng/Xinhua]
Visitors flock to Wanshou Temple to capture the beauty of magnolia flowers in full bloom in Beijing, on March 23.[Photo provided by Zhou Chengfeng/For China Daily]
The vibrant display of tulips at Yaojiadang Park in Jiaxing city, East China's Zhejiang province, on March 17.[Photo provided by Jin Peng/For China Daily]
A bird in the Lesser Khingan Mountains seen among the snow and flower petals in Yichun, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, on March 18.[Photo provided by Chi Shiyong/For China Daily]
