The launch ceremony of Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Woods of Friendship is held at Huihaiwan Ecological Park, Wuxi National Hi-tech District on March 25. [Photo provided to wndonline.cn]

The Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Woods of Friendship was launched at Huihaiwan Ecological Park, Wuxi National Hi-tech District (WND) on March 25.

The cherry blossom woods of friendship covers 106 hectares, with over 4,500 cherry blossom trees spanning 20 varieties. It includes five sections, providing visitors with a leisure park for flower-admiration, cycling, and wetland experiences.

The event was part of this year's Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival is held every March to May in order to attract visitors to admire wonderful cheery blossoms in Wuxi, especially in Yuantouzhu scenic area.

Participants of the launch ceremony plant trees inside the Huihaiwan Ecological Park on March 25. [Photo provided to wndonline.cn]

The history of cherry planting in Yuantouzhu can be traced back to the 1930s. Its Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest, one of the best spots to view cherry blossoms, was built by the city and a Japanese civic group in 1987. Today, over 10,000 Japanese have returned to the forest to plant more trees, making Yuantouzhu a symbol of Sino-Japanese friendship.

Officials from WND said the Huihaiwan Ecological Park is expected to become another popular destination for people to admire cherry blossoms in Wuxi in addition to the famous Yuantouzhu scenic area.