China's spectacular Xinghua spring flower landscapes

[jw5]

China's spectacular Xinghua spring flower landscapes​

Each spring, the countryside around the city of Xinghua in China's Jiangsu province erupts in a riot of color as vast fields of canola flowers blossom in the sunshine. Tourists descend in their thousands upon the region to witness this natural spectacle, when bars of land turn gold and appear to float on a sea of wide canals and narrow channels. A busy and productive agricultural hub, Xinghua is also known for its arable crops. And the destination is also home to an incredible water forest, a briny oasis alive with rare trees and protected wildlife.

 

[jw5]

Canola flowers​

Seen from above, fields of canola flowers near Xinghua appear as blankets of gold.

 

[jw5]

Canola crop​

Canola is a bright-yellow flowering member of the mustard and cabbage family. Prized for use in animal feed, canola, otherwise known as rapeseed, is the third-largest source of vegetable oil and second-largest source of protein meal in the world.

 

[jw5]

Panoramic views​

A pagoda provides outstanding panoramic views of Xinghua's canola fields, seen here shimmering in full bloom.

 

[jw5]

Tourist attraction​

Each spring, Xinghua attracts thousands of tourists eager to visit the Qianduo (raised wetland fields) Scenic Area and admire hundred of canola flower beds amid interweaving waterways.

 

[jw5]

Jiangsu by air​

Rural tourism has seen a robust growth in China, and destinations like Jiangsu province afford city-dwellers an opportunity to experience country life. Pictured is a microlight in flight, one of the more adventurous ways of taking in the sights.

 

[jw5]

Above all else​

A vast network of irrigation channels nourish the golden-yellow crop.

 

[jw5]

Exploring on foot​

The fields can be explored on foot by following well-trodden trails.

 

[jw5]

Waterway walk​

Several suspension footbridges span the waterways, created not only to provide a free-flow of tourists, but to allow access for hundreds of agricultural workers during the harvest.

 

[jw5]

Flower flotilla​

Another rewarding way of admiring the mustard-coated countryside is by boat.

 

[jw5]

Cultivated for centuries​

Canola has been cultivated in China for two millennia. For some years now Xinghua province has enjoyed a place on China's agricultural heritage list for its use of duo tian, a traditional method of agriculture that consists of raised fields set over irrigation channels.

 

[jw5]

Traveling by vehicle​

The canola fields are about a one-hour drive from Taizou, a city located on the East China Sea coast. From here, getting to Xinghua by road takes you along the scenic rainbow road.

 

[jw5]

Rainbow Road​

So named for its blue-, yellow-, and purple-trimmed verge, Rainbow Road arrows low over the briny shallows and passes towns and villages that appear as if floating on the water's surface.

 

[jw5]

Flower power​

As an agricultural hub, Xinghua is well known for producing other crops besides canola, a harvest that includes chrysanthemum blooms (pictured). The fragrance is quite intoxicating.

 

[jw5]

Go it alone, or with a group​

Tourists are free to wander the canola fields, whether alone, in pairs, or in groups. Guided tours are also available.

 

[Froggy]

Clear Works of Aliens​

 

[eatshitndie]

is this where wuhan whores get deflowered among the flowers before being sent to the world for remittance and foreign sexchange?

 

[jw5]

Pagoda panorama​

An interesting, almost abstract canvas of the fields and waterways, as seen from the pagoda viewing platform.

 

[jw5]

As the seasons turn​

A few weeks before harvest and the fields are still a verdant hue of emerald and jade. As spring approaches, the land begins to turn the color of sunshine.

 

[jw5]

Sustainable tourism​

Sightseeing boats tied up along the riverside. Tourism generates substantial income for boat owners and tour guides during the brief but spectacular harvest.