It's that magical time of year when nature comes alive again. For urban day-trippers, it's time to shake off the torpor of winter and embrace the exuberance of springtime. And what better place than Jinshan to breathe fresh air, enjoy rural tranquility, and delight in nature's palette of seasonal blossoms.

The coastal district becomes a sea of vibrant color in spring as it hosts its flower festival from late March to May 8. Visitors can expect to see spring blossom and flowers, plus fresh vegetables and strawberries ripe for the picking.

Every town and virtually every farm house will be showing off its horticultural skills for the occasion.

As one of the biggest agricultural centers in Shanghai, Jinshan boasts more than 2,000 hectares of orchards and some 1,300 hectares of rapeseed. And in spring, peach, cherry, pear, camellia, magnolia, orchid trees, roses and tulips are either in bloom or about to blossom, transforming Jinshan into a giant garden.

Festival venues include Luxiang and Fengjing ancient watertowns, Jinshanzui fishing village, as well as the picturesque Langxia Village, famed for its idyllic countryside views. The suburban district has planted around 1,333 hectares of rapeseed, which bloom into blocks of gold at this time of year. Flowers are also blooming around farmers' houses, paths and riversides.

Around 200 hectares of pear trees and 1,000 hectares of peach trees will be in bloom through mid April. And 2,670 hectares of flowering milk vetch and golden cauliflower have been planted. Golden rapeseed is found in the fields of Langxia Town, while pink peach and white pear blossoms line a stretch of Jinshi Road, separated by patches of golden cauliflower and milk vetch in bloom.