A viewer takes photo of the plum blossoms at Haohe River Scenic Area. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Enjoying the plum blossoms in Nantong is undoubtedly one of the most delightful ways to spend spring. But what are the best places in the city to see these flowers?

Meilin Chunxiao building, Nantong Museum, Haohe River Scenic Area, and Seyuan Garden are the most highly-recommended places. Nantong Museum introduced over 20 species of plum blossoms from Nanjing as early as 2008.

The best time to admire the plum blossoms in Nantong ranges from mid-February to early March each year.

File photo: Plum blossoms come into full bloom at Langshan Mountain Scenic Area in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

What's the best way to appreciate plum blossoms? Nantong botanical expert Ju Weidong recently unveiled the secrets of appreciating plum blossoms.

"One can appreciate the flower shape, color, and fragrance," he explained. Plum blossoms come in various shapes like single-petal, double-petal, and multi-petal; colors range from red, white, and pink to green; and the fragrance of plum blossoms varies with different varieties.

Plum blossoms are one of the top 10 traditional flowers in China, along with orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, collectively known as the "four gentlemen" in China, and are also grouped with pine and bamboo as the "three friends of winter".