Qingming Festival 2020: A Guide to Crabapple Blossom Creek in Beijing – Cherishing Memories Amidst the Pandemic

Meta Description: Explore the beauty of Crabapple Blossom Creek in Beijing during the 2020 Qingming Festival. Learn pandemic-safe travel tips, photography tricks, and how to cherish memories while wearing a mask. (152 characters)

Introduction: A Qingming Like No Other

April in Beijing—finally, a touch of warmth in the wind. The spring of 2020 arrived with extraordinary caution, like a dream put on pause, or an extended period of waiting. The Qingming Festival was approaching, and though the pandemic had not yet fully receded, my restless heart was already eager to step outside. Fortunately, the Crabapple Blossom Creek (Haitang Huaxi) was just at my doorstep—a spot I visit every year, but this time, because of this unusual Qingming, I felt the urge to write a travelogue for the first time.

Not to show off scenery, but to remember. To remember how we admired flowers while wearing masks this spring, how we observed a moment of silence amid warning sirens, and how, between the shadows of blossoms and the weight of remembrance, we learned to cherish everything before us. This article is your complete guide to experiencing Qingming Festival amidst the pandemic, with practical tips for pandemic-safe flower viewing and insights into the largest crabapple grove in Beijing.

Why Visit Crabapple Blossom Creek During Qingming?

The Qingming Festival (also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day) is a time for honoring ancestors and embracing the renewal of spring. In 2020, it took on a deeper meaning—a moment to reflect on loss, health, and the fragility of life. The crabapple blossoms at Haitang Huaxi symbolize resilience and beauty in the face of adversity, making this destination a perfect choice for a meaningful outing.

What Makes Crabapple Blossom Creek Unique?

Location: Situated within the Yuan Dynasty Capital City Wall Relics Park in Chaoyang District, Beijing.
Size: Nearly 2,000 crabapple trees spanning varieties like Xifu crabapple, Chaenomeles speciosa, Jinxing crabapple, and weeping crabapple.
Accessibility: Free entry, open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Scenery: A photographer's paradise with traditional Chinese architecture, blooming pathways, and morning light that transforms the blossoms into a dreamscape.

[Link: Best parks in Beijing for spring flower viewing]

Pandemic Safety Precautions for Flower Viewing

With the pandemic still lingering, going out to enjoy flowers couldn't be taken lightly. Here’s how we prepared for a safe and enjoyable visit:

Essential Safety Gear

Masks at all times: I wore a KF94 mask—stuffy but reassuring.
Disinfection kit: Hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, tissues, and disposable gloves.
Contactless transport: Cycling instead of public transport to minimize risk.
Early arrival: We aimed for the first entry at 7:30 AM to avoid crowds.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Leave early: Morning hours (7:30–8:00 AM) offer the best light and fewest visitors.
Cycle or walk: Avoid buses and subways. Cycling apps like Mobike are recommended.
Check park policies: Some gates may be closed; confirm opening hours and entry requirements online.
Bring your ID: Entry passes or temperature checks may be required.

Our Morning Routine

At seven in the morning, we met downstairs. My friend Ju Jie hadn't installed a cycling app, and there were no Alipay-supported shared bikes nearby. After scanning around, we finally found a Mobike. Just as we were about to set off, I suddenly realized I had forgotten my entry pass—I didn't want to argue at the gate or cause trouble for the security staff, so I went back to fetch it. Luckily, the elevator didn't keep me waiting; three minutes and I was done. I'm a law-abiding resident, and I have that much self-awareness.

An orange bike and a green one wobbled off together. And yes, "wobbled" is the right word—Ju Jie rarely cycles, so her pace was as slow as a stroll. Fortunately, we had left early, the distance was short, and there was no rush.

When we reached the entrance of Hongsheng Garden, the staff had just opened the gate about ten meters ahead. Only four or five people were waiting, plus a family of five who had just parked their car. Not many people, but once inside, we realized there were far more visitors than the previous week—clearly, everyone had the same idea of arriving early.

Crabapple Blossom Creek West Zone: A Realm of Xifu Crabapple

The west zone of Crabapple Blossom Creek is a haven for Xifu crabapple enthusiasts. That day was blessed with perfect weather—bright sunshine, a cloudless blue sky, a gentle breeze, and excellent air quality. Later, when I woke up to a hazy sky outside the window, I became even more convinced that the good weather that day was a stroke of luck.

Photography Tips for Crabapple Blossoms

Golden hour: Shoot between 7:30–8:30 AM for soft, natural light.
Angles matter: Crouch low to capture blossoms against the sky or use the flower path as a leading line.
Avoid crowds: Arrive early or visit on weekdays.
Camera check: Don’t forget your battery like I did! I opened my DSLR to find the battery compartment empty—a rookie mistake that forced me to rely on my phone.

The Morning Light Experience

The morning sunlight was soft, natural, and vivid, casting a gentle glow on the crabapple blossoms, highlighting every vein, every shadow, every movement. It was ethereal and graceful. "Rain falls thick and fast on Qingming Day"—but there was no rain today, only the sprinkler system at work. The crabapples "in tears" created a scene of their own.

I crouched down, holding up my phone, snapping away left and right, creating amateur masterpieces with professional dedication. When I stood up, I found a small crowd had gathered behind me, seemingly waiting in line for me to finish—including someone carrying a DSLR. I was speechless. Ju Jie, not far away, was grinning behind her mask.

A Personal Keepsake

Time for a keepsake photo. Ju Jie often says, "This is the youngest day of the rest of your life." Last year, COCO taught me some photography tips in Taining, and I've been learning more on Mafengwo recently. I feel my portrait skills have improved—capturing long legs and all that comes naturally now.

I recommend that anyone out for a walk learn from Ju Jie—at least I couldn't manage to wear disposable gloves the whole time.

Navigating the Park: One-Way Routes and Tips

The park implements a one-way route to manage visitor flow during the pandemic:

Entry point: Hongsheng Garden.
Path: Cross the bridge, walk east along the south bank of Xiaoyue River to near Andingmen Subway Station, then return west along the north bank.
Barriers: Follow staff instructions and respect barriers.

Best Practices for a Smooth Visit

Check park announcements for gate closures.
Bring water and snacks (but dispose of waste properly).
Use hand sanitizer frequently.
Maintain social distancing even in scenic spots.

[Link: Pandemic travel tips for Beijing parks]

FAQ: Qingming Festival and Crabapple Blossom Creek

Q1: Is Crabapple Blossom Creek open during the Qingming Festival?

A: Yes, it is open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily, including Qingming Festival. However, during the pandemic, some gates may be closed, so check official park announcements before visiting.

Q2: What are the best times to visit for fewer crowds?

A: Early morning (7:30–8:30 AM) is ideal. The light is perfect, crowds are sparse, and social distancing is easier. Weekdays are also less crowded than weekends.

Q3: Are there any entry fees or reservations required?

A: No, entry is free. However, you may need to show your Beijing Health Kit and have your temperature taken at the entrance.

Q4: Can I bring my pet to Crabapple Blossom Creek?

A: Pets are generally not allowed in the park. Check with the park management for specific rules during the pandemic.

Q5: What should I do if I forget my camera battery?

A: Don’t panic! Modern smartphones can capture stunning photos, especially in good light. Use portrait mode for close-ups and wide-angle for landscapes. Alternatively, focus on enjoying the moment without the lens.

Conclusion: Learning to Cherish

This Qingming Festival, amidst the crabapple blossoms and memories, I learned a profound lesson: cherish the present. The pandemic reminded us that beauty, health, and time are fleeting. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual flower admirer, Crabapple Blossom Creek offers a sanctuary for reflection and renewal.

Your turn: Plan your visit today. Share your own Qingming Festival memories or crabapple blossom photos in the comments below. Let’s cherish together.

[Link: How to write a travelogue about spring in Beijing]

Stay safe, wear your mask, and never forget to charge your camera battery.