App to focus on capital's blossoms

There are hundreds of ways to explore Beijing digitally, and now flower power joins the app age.

The Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry has just launched a free app, "Beijing Park" on the Apple iTunes store.

It is in English and provides an encyclopedia on Beijing's 200 floral species. It also has a seasonal calendar.

The app works with a retrieval system based on some 200 plants. Search for the flower you wish to see, and it guides you to parks that promise a blossoming scene.

The app doubles as a compass.

As the cherry blossoms bloom, the app suggests the following locations to appreciate the spectacle: Zizhuyuan Park, Rendinghu Park and Yuan Dynasty Capital City Wall Site park. Each suggestion comes with a map, ways of transportation and distance.

Shi Baojie, the app developer with Ismart Technology, said it is designed for family outings. "We conducted a survey and tried to incorporate family needs. We've found that senior citizens are most interested in flower-viewing but that children were brimming with questions."

Zhang Yahong, director of the bureau's landscape office, said the app would be especially beneficial to the capital's expats.

The Beijing Park app will soon land on the android platform.