flowers blossom en masse this month in Beijing                     

Can you picture three million tulips blossoming together? Well, seeing is believing at the Tulip Culture Festival, which began April 24, and is scheduled to last until May 18.

According to the management committee of the Beijing International Flower Port, where the festival is taking place, now is precisely the best time to view this sea of flowers, as they are expected to blossom just after May Day. Seventy-three kinds of tulips, including the famous Barcelona and Quixote varieties, will be displayed, along with others flowers such as hyacinths, buttercups and daffodils, which aren't indigenous to China.

Those worried about the effect of Beijng's fickle weather shouldn't concern themselves. "The tulip is not that weak," organizer Zhang Mengxi assured Lifestyle. "And we have prepared a lot of substitutes in case of any damage."

Indoor viewers will find a lily display featuring 89 kinds, including the Orange Cocotte, Delilah and Tresor lilies, alongside horticulture experts happy to educate tourists about their favorite blooms.

Hungry? Either pick your own strawberries from the garden, buy some fresh vegetables at market or visit the recently opened Yi Pin Zhu Xiang restaurant, which specializes in bamboo shoots.

Date: April 24 to May 18

Price: 80 yuan (includes two children below 1.2 meters), 50 yuan for students

Venue: Beijing International Flower Port, north of Hong Si Village, Yang Town, Shunyi District