Azaleas' allure

Over 150 million azaleas cover about a third of the 3,250-square-kilometer wilderness. About 35 varieties of the flower color the landscape in reds, purples, yellows and whites.

Azaleas bloom for a relatively long time because of the area's altitude.

Those in the lower elevations bloom from late March until early June.

The blossoms that flower at over 2,000 meters above sea level are encased in ice and snow during the May Day holiday, which falls on May 1.

Azaleas are considered a symbol of pure and unrequited love in Shennongjia. Droves of young couples arrive during the season to enjoy the blooms.

The flower variety also represents hospitality and happiness, which adds to its appeal, says Lin Tinghong, a resident of Qingtianpao village, which is near Shennongjia.