Plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo and chrysanthemums are praised as the four gentlemen of Chinese flowers, and have been appreciated by many Chinese scholars. The plum blossom, as it fights against the cold and blossoms in the snow and wind, is the most highly regarded. As the saying goes, “There are plum blossoms in the twelfth lunar month.” The plum blossoms from the twelfth lunar month to the second month of the next year exist. Thus the Start of Spring is the best season for appreciating the blossoms in Quanzhou.

Translated by Zhang Min