Azaleas abound in Arxan at the end of winter

Tourists are outdoors to view the springtime blossoms, and the country's vast land offers a polychromatic sea of different flowers, suited to individual preferences.

Snow and ice give way to azaleas in Arxan, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, as spring arrives.

The flowers in shades of pink add a lively touch to the city's landscape as it wakes up from its winter slumber in April.

Local residents and tourists alike can feast their eyes on the picturesque scenes of the Arxan National Forest Park, where azaleas grow on lava landforms.

The Haosengou National Forest Park is an ideal site for a spring outing. It features primitive forests, precipitous cliffs and other rock structures. Rivers and waterfalls are hidden amid lush vegetation, and birds are heard chirping everywhere, resembling scenes from old Chinese landscape paintings.

Wild azaleas can also be spotted there.

For those who would like to take a closer look at the local culture while soaking in the sights, Bailang town is the place to visit. The town has around 80 households, with many in the wood business. One can get an insight into the daily lives of local residents and taste home-cooked food or learn about local cuisines.

The Yangge dance and other traditional performances are also staged there.

The Linsu Museum in Bailang offers a bigger picture of local culture and customs. It covers an area of 2,000 square meters and is the first of its kind in China that displays forest development and culture on a large scale. One can also see how lumberjacks lived in the past.

For those who want a relaxed holiday, Arxan also abounds in hot springs - Jinjianggou, Wuchagou and Hamagou are among the most popular such spots.

If you want to take something back for your family or friends, take a look at the local embroidery, wooden souvenirs and natural specialties.