2018 Wuxi International Cherry Festival kicks off

The 2018 Wuxi International Cherry Festival kicked off at Turtle Head Isle scenic spot in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 1, and will run until April 22. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxi tourism bureau]

The 2018 Wuxi International Cherry Festival kicked off at Turtle Head Isle scenic spot in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 1, and will run until April 22.

Turtle Head Isle is known for its vast expanse of cherry blossoms which, along with its long history, attract many tourists every year.

The scenic spot's most valuable assets are its 30,000 cherry trees, which bloom in late March. Many of the beautiful trees, which are prized in both Chinese and Japanese culture, were donated to the island by groups of Japanese visitors, who have been coming to Wuxi to plant the trees as a gesture of friendship since the 1980s.

Guide map of Cherry Blossom Valley in Turtle Head Isle scenic spot, Wuxi, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxi tourism bureau]

The first batch of cherry blossoms are now in full bloom. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful and unique scenery in many areas of the scenic spot, such as Cherry Blossom Valley, Changchun Bridge, Luding Mountain, and the lake.

In the evening, colorful glowing lights can be seen on the cherry blossoms. The festival began featuring the "Cherry Blossom Night Park" activity in 2014, allowing tourists to enjoy the alluring night scenery.

A series of activities are organized during the festival, including cherry blossom dancing, traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies of the Han and Tang dynasties, a cosplay competition, a beauty pageant, and a cheongsam show, making the festival more attractive to visitors from around the world.