Editor's note: As PKU News was about to publish this following flower-loaded piece, a heavy thunderstorm compounded with gales soaked the city of Beijing. Overnight, trails, courtyards, and the Weiming Lake on the campus were carpeted by petals and buds. The good news is, campus wide, plenty of flowers remain unscathed – and you can still appreciate Yan Yuan's springtime in its fullest form through this article.  

Peking University, April 23, 2024: As the temperature climbs away from the late-spring chill, Yan Yuan has reached its peak bloom. With vigour and vitality, these blossoms became a colorful spectacle on the campus. Here’s a guide to enjoying the feast of flowers. 

1. Yannan Garden



Walking down the road of Yannan Garden, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and peach blossoms have embellished it with pink and white. Among ancient buildings, these romantic colors brought the inner equilibrium to passers-by.
 
2. Boya Pagoda 

Under the dancing shadow of the trees, one can see little flowers adorning it with white and purple and encounter unexpected sights on every step. As a background, Boya Pagoda styles the scenery with layers.
 
3. Weiming Lake



Along the sidewalk of Weiming Lake, forsythia and the yellow roses come into full bloom in the sunlight. Mallard ducks glide across the lake, together with ripples and blossoms, forming a graceful landscape painting.
 
4. Jingchun Garden


A magnolia tree thrives beside the guardian lion in Jingchun Garden, awaiting eyes that are seeking beauty. 
 
5. Peking University Library


Walking down the stairs of the front door, clusters of peonies witness the arrival of April. The gradient of colors from white to peachy pink attracts passersby's attention and captivates the curiosity of cats, making them pause and linger in fascination.
 
6. Democracy Building 


In front of the Democracy Building stands several crabapple trees, blushing the elegant façade. When the wind blows, those crabapple blossoms turn into a wedding dress of the building.
 
7. Dorm Zone

Beauty often hides in the most inconspicuous places; the small flowers along the street are the best companions on the way to the classroom.
 

Spring is a season full of dynamism and activity. With the company of flowers, relaxing and strolling through campus can decorate our daily lives. 

Written by: Chen Li Tsai
Photos by: Chen Li Tsai
Edited by: Dennis Meng