Fields of gold

Every April and May, conversation among backpackers in China inevitably turns to the best places to see the country's stunning yellow rapeseed flowers. Now that spring has sprung, consider these blooms a great way to experience the stages of the season and a perfect excuse to take yourself on a vacation. Just imagine that you're standing before a sea of these bright flowers. As far as the eye can see, yellow is everywhere, and the air is filled with their fragrance. No one could find this setting unattractive, not to mention the many other captivating scenes of the season. Those who travel through the countryside this time of year will be rewarded by the beauty of the natural landscape, covered with cheerful rapeseed flowers, no matter how far they have to trek to get away from the noise of the big city. It's always worth the trip. 

Every spring, rapeseed flowers, like golden migrating birds, gradually spread across China's vast fields, from Hainan Island, to the northern part of China, then to the Northeast. By the time the last rapeseed is harvested in North China in July, the blossoming period is still in full swing in Northeast China, the Northwest Prairie and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. 

The nearly six-month blossoming season not only provides a rich source for beekeepers, but also offers photographers and backpackers an exciting chase to view these flowers as they spread. As a little boy, I liked to visit my grandparents in the countryside during the weekends. I still remember how the rapeseed flowers blossomed, first light yellow decorating among greens and blues before spreading and growing ever brighter until, in the end, the fields became shining and splendid. 

People all over China grow rapeseed flowers mainly for the production of cooking oil. It is said that China plants one-third of the globe's rapeseed, without a doubt leading the world. Sightseeing is just a side effect brought on in recent years by urban people who are tired of gray city views and fast-paced metropolitan life. 

However, in ancient times, this plant was mainly used as a type of vegetable, a very cheap one at that, and was not as popular as it is now. Its blooms were not held in high regard in ancient Chinese poetry. Ancient poets liked to compare flowers like the peony, chrysanthemum, and peach blossom to moral qualities. Rapeseed flowers, on the other hand, were suggested to be of low quality and worn by village girls in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) poems. 

As times have changed, so too have people's tastes. Today, rapeseed flowers have risen to become one of the most celebrated in China. In springtime, they can be seen everywhere from large advertisements to daily newspapers, but traveling to the countryside and seeing them with your own eyes is the best way to appreciate them. Based on the travelogues of backpackers and travelers, the Global Times lists some must-see spots in China for rapeseed flower viewing.

Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province

This county is probably the best-known area in China for viewing these golden blossoms. Known as China's most beautiful county, Wuyuan is full of architecture typical of the Hui style in neighboring Anhui Province. Buildings feature white walls and dark blue tiles, full of South Chinese favor. Complete with a landscape filled with yellow flowers, the whole scene looks like a living Chinese landscape painting. Every year from March until May, the town is flooded with travelers from big cities who crave a respite from urban life. 

Top sites: Jiangling is probably the place most worth seeing in the area, with its fields of yellow flowers covering patches of land from the tops of the surrounding mountains to the valley below. The color of yellow dominates your vision as you stand and take in the scene, likely being charmed additionally by the tiny Hui villages dotting the mountains. Other places, like Xiaoqi, Likeng, Sixi village and Qingyuan Yueliangwan (Moon Valley), are also great places to see the flowers.   

What to eat: Wuyuan is located at the crossroads of three provinces: Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Anhui. The best flavors combine in the area's typical local fare of stewed and steamed dishes. 

Getting there: Jingdezhen Airport, also in Jiangxi Province, is the newest airport near Wuyuan. Take a taxi from there to Licun Bus Station, where buses leave for Wuyuan every 10 to 15 minutes. There are also direct buses from nearby cities like Wuhan, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hefei. 

When to go: From now through May  

Where to stay: The county has over 200 hotels and guesthouses, running from 50 yuan ($8) to 500 yuan per night.