Get ready for a delightful mix of sunshine and spring showers in March - the perfect time to explore Hangzhou!

If you come to Maoxiang in March, you will see crystal-blue waves rippling across the lake, dotted with little islets, over which water birds gracefully soaring. Beside the historic Shangxiang Ancient Road, the spring's herald, the Chinese violet cress, blankets the landscape in a mesmerizing sea of purple, swaying harmoniously with the tranquil blue waters in the gentle spring breeze.

The Chinese violet cress, also known as Zhugecai locally, begins to bloom in the second month of the lunar calendar and continues into April and May.

Besides the enchanting Chinese violet cress, Maoxiang boasts a diverse array of aquatic and semi-aquatic plant, including lotus, water lilies, and reeds. These plants not only add to the allure of Maoxiang but also contribute to keeping its water clean. However, after a harsh winter, their leaves have started to wither, which not only affects the visual beauty of the landscape but also impacts water quality. In late February this year, the Huagang Management Office of the West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou pruned the aquatic plants to promote healthier growth and prevent decaying leaves from affecting the scenic area’s beauty and water quality. They meticulously cleared away dead leaves and fully withered plants and retained stalks and roots of healthy plants for future growth.

So far, over 200 square meters of aquatic plants in Maoxiang have undergone meticulous pruning. With a clearer view of the water, Maoxiang is poised to welcome the explosion of spring colors.