Pinggu Intl Peach Blossom Festival returns with new events

The 27th Pinggu International Peach Blossom Festival will open on April 10 in Beijing's Pinggu district, offering a month-long series of activities for domestic and international visitors through May 5.

A vast sea of pink peach blossoms stretches across the landscape of Pinggu district in Beijing. [Photo courtesy of the People's Government of Pinggu District, Beijing]

Zhang Zi'ang, director of the Pinggu District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, said the district will invite diplomats and entrepreneurs from Africa, Southeast Asia and Belt and Road Initiative partner countries for peach blossom tours and cultural activities, alongside discussions on trade opportunities.

The district will also offer enhanced services for international visitors, including bilingual brochures and international credit card payment options, Zhang said, addressing the needs of tourists without WeChat or other digital payment methods.

At a press conference on April 2, officials announced the district's peach blossoms are now at their optimal viewing period, which began April 5. A full schedule of 15 events is planned for the season, including speed dating, a pet zone, public fitness hiking, Yongle Fair, e-sports challenges, a new energy vehicle exhibition and intangible cultural heritage cuisine showcases.

Event highlights include a singles' matchmaking event on Thursday and presales of local giant peaches from April 10-20, with visitors able to adopt peach trees. The district, which is currently building Beijing's first pet industrial park, will host a pet carnival on April 19-20 featuring interaction zones, free veterinary checks, and grooming services.

The Ming dynasty-inspired Yongle Fair will open on April 19 near Jinhai Lake, showcasing more than 300 heritage food and craft stalls representing 32 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China. Visitors can wear Chinese traditional costumes and participate in interactive performances at the fair. The Jinhai Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center will host a Food Live E-Commerce Conference and Peach Blossom Food Season from April 25-27, highlighting regional specialties.

The Beijing Fitness-for-All Hiking Event will kick off April 26 at Pinggu Sports Center, alongside a marathon, cycling challenge and mountain cross-country race. An "Honor of Kings" mobile game tournament will be held in the district's vast peach forest.