Spring is here!

Just like back home in Europe we were waiting like everyone else for spring to start. Especially this year when we experienced an unusual amout of snow. And after 8 weeks staying mostly in doors I felt a bit desperate for some warmth and sunshine.

Like the Chinese new year, China has it´s own way of recognizing the start of spring officially. The rule is that the  temperature has to stay above 10 degrees celcius for 5 days in a row after the Spring festival. And - hooray! -  I just read that the meterological bureau is expecting this to happen this week.

To be honest, in a way this makes more sense than announcing spring every year by the calendar on March 21st and then beeing frustrated that you still have snow on your doorstep.

But this year we didn´t  really need the authorities ot announce the warmer season to realize that spring has made it to Shanghai. We noticed it already when we bought the entrance ticket to Century Park on sunday. The price doubled over night from 10 to 20 RMB!

But they have a good reason for it. With the start of spring the cherry trees blossom turning the park into a bit of an attraction. It may not be as impressive as in Japan, but I must admit: It looks beautiful.

Here are some snapshots from this lovley day with some of the classic "Park-Happenings"

Get out your BIG lenses!!

nearly every tree is occupied  by a photographer

Good day for a wedding photo shoot:

yes, she IS sitting on her dress...

Traditional wedding car decorations on the big day..

Kids love the bubble machine:

And after the walk the three fo us enjoyed lunch in the Kerry Center followed by a massage for mommy. How handy that the brewery and Dragonfly Spa are neighbours!