First cherry blossom festival opens in Xunlong River town

　　The Xunlong River Wonderful Sakura Valley officially opened in Changsha county, Hunan province on March 11, launching the area's first cherry blossom festival on the same day.

Officials launch Changsha county's first cherry blossom festival in Xunlong River town on March 11. [Photo by Lu Wenwei/hn.chinanews.com]

　　Built from July last year, the park is expected to become south-central China's largest cherry blossom resort, boasting a planting area of 500 mu (33.3 hectares) and accommodating more than 10,000 cherry trees of 30 varieties.

　　Many visitors were attracted by the plentiful cherry blossoms at the opening, with different varieties all blooming to perfection over the coming week.

　　People will also have the opportunity to experience different cultures and traditions from all over the world in the valley's folk arena scheduled to open this May.

Dancers perform at the cherry blossom festival's opening ceremony on March 11. [Photo by Lu Wenwei/hn.chinanews.com]

Visitors snap photos of cherry blossom trees at the cherry blossom resort in Xunlong River town. [Photo by Lu Wenwei/hn.chinanews.com]