Cherry industry states claim to home origins

In Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, streets lined with cherry trees are home to high-rise office buildings in the central business district.

In Beijing, the 136-hectare Yuyuantan Park boasts 2,000 cherry trees with more than 20 different species. A Cherry Blossoms Culture Festival is held in the park annually from March to May.

In Wuxi, Jiangsu province, people from all over the world visit the Tortoise Head Garden for its stunning array of cherry trees.

"Viewing cherry blossom has become a popular spring event across China, as the flower has unique aesthetic and cultural value," He said, adding that people from different countries enjoy viewing cherry blossom in various ways.

But he said the Chinese way is the most profitable.

"In Japan, the falling blossom is typically linked to fearlessness or life's fleeting moments, whereas the Chinese appear to regard it as the importance of kinship and romantic love," He said.

"This cultural difference means Chinese prefer to buy products related to cherry blossom, as the flowers provide a good choice for gifts," he added.

Wuhan University in Hubei province is arguably the best-known location in China to view cherry blossom. Tourists from across the country visit the university in spring to enjoy the trees in full bloom.

Streets and stores near the university target millions of visitors with products featuring food, handicrafts, musical instruments and artworks made from the blossom.