Since hardy plum trees blossom in the middle of winter, they are a harbinger of spring and a symbol of strength in adversity as well as purity.

Beloved by poets and artists, plum blossoms and plum branches are favorite subjects of traditional painting and verse.

The annual plum appreciation in Century Park in Pudong New Area runs from January 20 to March 10. The blossoms will be at their peak from February 17, the Lantern Festival, through the end of the month.

Nearly 10,000 plum trees cover around 200,000 square meters and fill the area with clouds of red, pink and white plum blossoms in delicate shades. Varieties include weeping and green plum trees.