Hebi cherry blossom viewing festival a blooming success

As the cherry blossoms bloom, the city of Hebi in Henan province offers visitors an annual festival dedicated to strolling through the drifting petals, past stalls selling local delicacies, with live music playing in the background.

This year, the 11th Hebi Cherry Blossom Festival hosted its opening ceremony on April 2. The festival, which will run until April 21, includes interactive experiences, performances and markets, as well as three business forums to discuss the integration of culture, technology and tourism.

According to Wang Junwei, deputy head of the Hebi Cherry Blossom Culture Association, the city has been associated with the flower since the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC). Cherry trees were planted at the imperial palace in Zhaoge, then the capital city, which is located in Qixian county.