Viewing 樱花 (cherry blossoms) in Wuhan

 The Wuhan University campus was busy this weekend, March 19-20, with visitors coming to see the cherry blossoms.Thirty years ago the cherry trees bloomed, of course, and were admired, but it wasn't the carnival it is now, with trails of honking cars bulling their way through the crowds and lots set aside for tour buses.

Many of the trees were planted during the anti-Japanese war, when the Japanese established headquarters at the University. Two years ago a pair of Chinese visitors caused a controversy by wearing Japanese kimonos to view the blossoms. Remarks like "they were intentionally trying to provoke, completely disregarding the disaster Japan brought to China," and "If you cannot tolerate kimonos, then why can you tolerate Japanese sakura cherry blossoms?" appeared on Chinese blogs.

Hawkers of soda, snack food and bracelets have set up shop along the road running in front of Wuda's old buildings.

The period of blooming is only a few days. According to studies in Japan over many centuries, and at Wuda since 1947, it has come earlier each year: about two days earlier over each decade, reflecting the effects of global warming.


The steps up to the old library and classroom buildings, past the old student residential section, still in use.