Golden Seas of the Northwest-Canola Blossoms in Hanzhong

With just the mention of canola flowers, many Chinese people could point out a dozen well-known spots on a map. The canola flower is widely planted in China, from the central regions to the south, from the east coast to the furthest-reaching inland areas. Most canolas bloom in March or April. During the spring season, China is decorated with yellow quilt patches swaying like golden waves in the wind, each gust carrying the light fragrance far and wide.
Which location boasts the most beautiful flowers? It’s no simple question, but netizens voted Hanzhong (although be not contained in destinations of China best tours), a city in southwestern Shaanxi Province, as the winner in an internet poll.


The appraisal conducted by People’s Daily Online in 2009, titled the Most Beautiful Canola Sea in China, attracted the participation of more than 1 million voters. Hanzhong grabbed the list’s top spot due to its wide coverage of flowers and picturesque scenery integrating flowers, buildings, and people.
On the north-south climate transitional line between the Qinling Mountains in the north and Daba Mountains to the south, Hanzhong enjoys a warm and humid climate, a well-preserved ecological system, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Green and fragrant year-round, it is home to many rare plant and animal species as well as canolas. Each year, more than 66,000 hectares of canola are harvested in the area. Looking down from atop a mountain over a basin during harvest season, visitors are frequently overwhelmed by the yellow world of blossoms stretching out below. The flowers can be found blanketing the mountain peaks and slopes, surrounding farmers’ houses, the road, and even river banks, infusing the entire region with vibrant color and renewed vitality. Taking a drive along the country road will provide non-stop visuals of bright yellow for your China travel deals.


To make the fullest use of the “most beautiful canolas” title, the local government began to organize the “Most Beautiful Canola Sea - Hanzhong Tourist Culture Festival” in the spring of 2010. This year’s festival was held from late February to late April, and it evolved into a comprehensive event combining flower appreciation, folk performances, trade talks, and sightseeing activities.
Hanzhong, a national historic and cultural city, can boast plentiful tourist draws, especially those related to the Western Han (202 B.C. - A.D. 9) and Eastern Han (25-220) Dynasties and the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Certainly, the flowers aren’t the only thing to see. Still, since Hanzhong is not quite an international tourist hub yet, many road signs throughout the city lack clarity if they’re there at all. It’s recommended to carefully study maps and research the area before attempting to drive there on your own for your China tour.


Along with Hanzhong, several other places are known for canola blooms such as Xinghua City in Jangsu Province which is one destination of Silk Road travel, Jingmen City in Hubei, Luoping County in Yunnan, Tongnan County in Chongqing Municipality, Menyuan Hui Autonomous County in Qinghai, Rui’an City and Xianju County in Zhejiang, Fengxian County in Shanghai Municipality, Wuyuan County in Jiangxi, Anshun City and Guiding County in Guizhou, Yingde City in Guangdong, and Shitan Village in Anhui. Most canola flowers bloom between February and late April, but the canola flowers in Menyuan reach full bloom in July. If you happened to miss the blooming season this spring, the higher altitudes provide at least one more chance this year.