Cherry blossoms are seen along the side of a bridge in Yuantouzhu, or Turtle Head Island, in Binhu, Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Two attractions in Binhu district, Wuxi – the Yuantouzhu scenic area and Nianhua Bay – were recently ranked among the 20 best places in Jiangsu to admire spring flowers by the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Established in 1916, the Yuantouzhu, also known as Turtle Head Island, is a national 5A level scenic area. From Feb 23 to April 5 every year, more than 100 species of cherry blossoms of different colors on the island bloom.

The first cherry blossom trees, Somei Yoshino, were planted in 1930s by Yang Hanxi, who was then the owner of the resort and had studied in Japan. The Somei Yoshino is the most dominant species of trees in the area.

Cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed in Nianhua Bay, a scenic small town situated near the Taihu Lake, in mid- and late March. The town has about 1,000 cherry blossom trees.

Other varieties of flowers, including Iceland poppies, snapdragons, vervains and cosmos, are also grown in Nianhua Bay and bloom from March to May.