Peach flowers festival starts in Beijing suburb

Student volunteers look at peach flowers during the 14th Peach Flower and Music Festival in Pinggu, Beijing, April 19, 2012. The northeast suburban district of Beijing has a peach garden covering an area of 220,000 mu (14,470 hectares). The best time to see the flower is from April 22 to May 1, according to local tourism officials. A number of cultural activities are to be held around the festival that runs from April 19 to May 20, including an exhibition of strange stones, kite flying, performance, and cycling contests. The climax will be an international music festival from May 18 to 20. Local officials attempt to promote tourism by combing peach flowers, music, sports resources, and its proximity to the city center.