Spring outing in Beijing

Chinese flowering crabapple: Prince Gong's Mansion [Photo/sina.com]

The flower of the crabapple is considered to be the queen of all flowers by many Chinese, and it is bestowed with very good meanings for luck and fortune.

Consisting of large mansions in the typical Qing dynasty residence layout and gardens, Prince Gong's Mansion is known as one of the most ornate and extravagant residence compounds in Beijing.

Best time to watch: from early March

Admission: 20 yuan

How to get there: bus 13, 107, 111, 118,850.

Chinese Flowering Crabapple at Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Park [Photo/sina.com]

This park boasts of having the largest area of Chinese crabapple trees. Every spring, the annual flower festival draws hoards of visitors to appreciate sculptures, pavilions and murals among the aroma of crabapple flowers.

With a length of 9 kilometers (6.6 miles), the Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Park is divided into two parts connected by six bridges.

Best time to watch: March to April

Admission: free

How to get there: bus 392, 375, 902, 22, 38, 331.

Tulip at Sun Yat-Sen Park [Photo/sina.com]

The tulip exhibition in Sun Yat-sen Park features tens of thousands of tulips arranged in various themes.

Best time to watch: April 15 until May 10

Admission: 10 yuan

How to get there: take bus 1, 4,5, 10 and get off at Tiananmen West.