Speech by Shi Ailing, Vice Director of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum Administration Bureau at the Present News Release Conference
of Plum Flower Festival

In 2005, the south of the Plum Flower Mountain was expanded into the scenic area of “Plum Flower Valley” which was connected with the Plum Flower Hill. Since then, the area of Plum Flower Hill has been increased to 1,533 mu (15 mu= one hectare). More than 35,000 plum trees of as many as 350 varieties have been planted. Internationally registered plum-flower varieties bred on the Plum Flower Hill have reached 114. “International trademark” has been attained. The Plum Flower Hill of Nanjing as an ancient capital city has become a well-renowned “Eco-travel Brand”. It really deserves its honor as “No. 1 Plum Flower Hill under the Sun”

Last year, the bureau established the system “Forecast of Plum Flowers” for the first time, which was praised by tourists. For the purpose of helping tourists appreciate plum flowers further, the bureau has established an expert group of plum-flower forecast this year, consisting of seven professionals engaged in researching plum flowers. By means of collecting materials, observing plum flowers, utilizing experience and considering weather changes this year, the research experts and chief forecaster of plum flowers regularly issue information about blossoming of plum flowers to the city dwellers and tourists through media.

Spring has begun, temperature begins to continuously rise and rain falls occasionally in recent days. Therefore, as estimated by the chief forecaster of plum flowers, plum flowers will gradually enter the initial flowering stage and the stage for appreciation around Feb. 14. When the Plum Flower Festival falls on Feb. 20, the best stage for appreciation begins with 20-30% of plum flowers in blossom. Due to continuous cold wave and low temperature during the previous period, early flowers will blossom relatively later and happen to blossom at the same time as mid flowers. According to the overall flowering state, experts predict plum flowers will mostly blossom at the end of February this year and flourish until the mid of March. Nurtured by occasional rain, plum flowers will be more flourishing and colorful this year. Tourists will see a brighter Plum Flower Hill. When the park is open, such well-known varieties as “Red of Nanjing”, “Early Green Calyx”, “Light Make-up and Palace Cosmetics”, “Early Jade Butterfly”, “Pink Vermilion” and “Red Beard of Nanjing” will be more flourishing and waiting for tourists to appreciate. The best places to take photos are the top and southern slope of the Plum Flower Hill. In addition, Plum Flower Valley Park completed in 2005 has taken initial shape with three years of elaborate care. During the period, 15,000 plum trees planted here will blossom at the same time. Numerous particularly excellent varieties of early flowers will be more attractive. Therefore such varieties are specially recommended for tourists to appreciate.

The theme of the Plum Flower Festival in 2009 is “Gathering at the No.1 Plum Flower Hill to Appreciate Numerous Plum Flowers and Spread Philanthropism”. At 10:00 a.m. Feb.20, the opening ceremony will be held at Plum Flower Valley Plaza. The ceremony will be attended by Battlefront Cultural Troupe of Nanjing Military Area. What’s more, famous singer Wang Hongwei will present wonderful performances at the ceremony. He just finished performances at CCTV Spring Festival Gala and will extend his love towards China, Nanjing and plum flowers by his songs.

During the Plum Flower Festival this year (Feb. 20 ~Mar.20), the Plum Flower Hill as the main conference venue will elaborately prepare a sightseeing and leisure feast for Chinese and foreign tourists. There will be ten focuses, which mainly include the opening ceremony of the Plum Flower Festival, exhibition of exquisite plum flower photos taken by famous photographers from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Mainland China, “Angel World” collected exhibition of paintings and calligraphies by children, “Angel’s Gentle Word” care card column, songs and dances of minority ethnic groups, weekly charm demonstration of suburbs and counties of Nanjing, exquisite artistic exhibition of plum bonsais, picture exhibition of internationally registered plum flower varieties, cate street, 360°Circarama film “Great Xiaoling Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty” as well as announcement of “Little Plum Flower Angel” selection result and award granting. We won’t bother to introduce them one by one here. Please read the foldout of tourist guide. In a word, we will take advantage of activities, attach importance to the market and carry out a series of activities to create an enjoyable, harmonious and joyful festival atmosphere, promote tourist economy, comprehensively enhance the influence and fame of the Plum Flower Festival and build the brand of the city of Nanjing. We believe it will be an enjoyable, leisure and interacting tourist pageant. It will be an unforgettable holiday for city dwellers and tourists.

To make it convenient for city dwellers and tourists to appreciate plum flowers, we will stick to the principle of low price, preference and benefiting the people. During the Plum Flower Festival this year, the area for appreciating plum flowers will be expanded (the palace of Xiaoling Mausoleum was not included in the past). During the Plum Flower Festival, the ticket price for the whole Xiaoling Mausoleum scenic area will be RMB 40 Yuan/person.