A depiction of spring outing from an ancient painting. (Handout via Xinhua Daily)

From ancient paintings to poems, the tradition of spring outings at renowned scenic spots has deep historical roots across Jiangsu.

Niushou Mountain in Nanjing. (Photo/CFP)

Niushou Mountain, which literally means “Ox Head Mountain” in Nanjing, became the top destination for spring outings after the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). While the dynasty’s founder, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, visited the mountain with his ministers on the third day of the third lunar month, a lively scene of colorful tents and bustling crowds were seen on the mountain. A common saying in Nanjing also advises that one should visit Niushou Mountain in spring and Qixia Mountain in autumn.

The Slender West Lake in Yangzhou

As early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Yangzhou City was already a premier destination for spring outings. "To visit Yangzhou in blooming flowers of March", the lines written by renowned poet Li Bai, perfectly endorsed this tradition.

In Suzhou, exploring the classical gardens was also a popular option for spring outings during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

A view of the rapeseed flowers in Dongwang Village, Xinghua, Taizhou City.

In Taizhou City, the Qianduo scenic area is known as one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy rapeseed flowers. However, before the Ming Dynasty, the flower generated little interest. Instead, people in ancient times preferred to associate it with butterflies as a vibrant symbol of spring. Then during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Jiangsu's scholars began to recognize the rapeseed flowers as an aesthetic part of spring scenery.