The 2026 Spring Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival commenced in Shangmaicheng village, Baihuahu town, Guanshanhu district in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Feb 21.

An aerial view of blooming cherry blossoms in Shangmaicheng village, Baihuahu town, Guanshanhu district. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

This picturesque village, nestled among mountains and rivers, was blanketed in vast expanses of pink blossoms to warmly welcome visitors from near and far, offering a rural feast that blends flower appreciation, folk customs, and recreational activities.

This year's event taps into the local Bouyei culture and agricultural heritage, creating a new integrated model of "cherry blossom viewing + folk customs + entertainment".

Each afternoon, the public stage comes alive with performances written and produced by the town's cultural troupes and villagers, filling the festival with a joyous, lively atmosphere.

Visitors wander among the cherry blossom trees. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

To make the spring outing more fun and interactive, a special spring fun challenge game area has been carefully set up on-site, sparking laughter and drawing cheers from the crowd.

Another highlight is the cherry blossom treasure hunt. Deep within the cherry forest, staff members have hidden numerous Chinese New Year blessing Fu character ornaments. Visitors can wander among the trees, admiring the blossoms as they search for hidden treasures. Anyone who discovers a Fu character ornament  can exchange it at the prize redemption area for a chance to win a small gift. They may also hang the Fu character ornament on designated cherry trees, letting the spring breeze carry their heartfelt wishes for the Chinese New Year.

The cherry blossom celebration ran through Feb 23, while the blooming period is expected to last until mid-to-late March. This event not only vividly demonstrates Shangmaicheng village's efforts to leverage its ecological strengths, but also serves as a key initiative in exploring new pathways for rural vitalization.

Visitors pose for photos with blooming cherry blossoms. [Photo/Guiyang news network]