Magnolia at Dajue Temple [Photo: sina.com]

The magnolias at Dajue Temple in Beijing's western suburbs is widely known for its charming colors and smells. One of the magnolia trees, said to be transported from Sichuan, is famous for its large petals and inviting smells. During the Qianlong period (1736- 1796) of the Qing dynasty, the abbot of Dajue Temple died in Sichuan, and left a will to bring this flower to the capital. Since then the tree has an age of more than 300 years, renowned as the oldest of the magnolias in Beijing, and because of the location on a mountain, the blooming period of the magnolia in Dajue Temple is around 10 days later than the rest of the city. Flowers will bloom in early April and the blossom will last for about one week or longer in sunny days.

Best watching time: April 2 until April 9

Admission: 20 yuan

How to get there: bus 346, 903, or a tourist coach.