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Tokyo’s Asakusa District Witnesses Stunning Sakura Blooms

As the cold winter weather fades away, the blooming of sakura trees, also known as cherry blossom trees, is a highly anticipated event that marks the arrival of spring in Japan. The delicate pink and white flowers have become one of the most iconic symbols of Japan and are celebrated each year by locals and tourists alike.

Despite the cloudy weather, thousands of city residents and tourists flocked to the Asakusa district, one of Tokyo’s most important tourist spots, to witness the stunning blooms. The blossoming of sakura trees heralds the arrival of spring in Japan, providing a visual feast in the parks and streets all over Tokyo. While some enjoyed picnics by the Sumida River, others captured the moment by taking photographs of the cherry blossoms, which only bloom once a year.

For Australian tourist Ashton Kevin, the Sakura season was the perfect time to visit Japan. She shared her thoughts, saying, “I really enjoy the culture and the food. The people are so lovely. It’s my first time here, and it’s just nice to see everyone out and about again. Lots of people and tourists are here, and it’s very beautiful.”

Haruka Adachi, who came to Sumida Park in Asakusa specifically to see the cherry blossoms, expressed her admiration, saying, “Sakura is one of the most important symbols of Japan, and it looks really gorgeous today.” Yumi Yoshino, who said that the Asakusa district is particularly popular among those who want to see the sakura, explained, “This is why I came here with my friends.”

This year’s cherry blossom season was particularly special because it marked the lifting of the picnic ban in the parks during the Covid-19 pandemic. This allowed people to enjoy the beautiful blooms with their friends and family, while still adhering to safety protocols.

As the sakura season continues, visitors and locals alike will continue to enjoy the beauty and magic of these iconic trees, which have become a beloved symbol of Japan’s vibrant culture and spirit.

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Taipei’s National Palace Museum Tells the Story of Chinese Civilization

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The National Palace Museum (NPM) in Taipei, located in the city’s Shilin District, stands as a beacon of Chinese cultural heritage. It houses one of the world’s most important collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, offering visitors an exceptional window into over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

Established in 1965, the Taipei branch of the museum was created when the Republic of China government moved a vast number of imperial treasures to Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War. These invaluable items, originally part of the Qing dynasty’s imperial collection, were preserved through turbulent periods, including the Japanese invasion and the Cultural Revolution. Today, the museum’s holdings exceed 690,000 items, with more than 80 percent tracing their origins to the Qing court.

The museum’s extensive collection features some of the most celebrated pieces in Chinese art history. Among them is the Jadeite Cabbage, a finely carved jade sculpture representing a cabbage stalk with a locust and katydid hidden within its leaves—an emblem of fertility and a perennial favorite among visitors. Another notable artifact is the Meat-Shaped Stone, a remarkable piece of jasper skillfully crafted to mimic the appearance of braised pork. Perhaps most historically significant is the Mao Gong Ding, a bronze tripod vessel from the Western Zhou dynasty, famed for containing the longest known inscription on any Chinese bronze, offering rare insight into the political and social structures of ancient China.

More than just a repository of antiquities, the National Palace Museum is a journey through China’s vast cultural and historical legacy. It invites art lovers, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike to engage with the artistic and intellectual achievements of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. A visit to the museum is a memorable encounter with the past, offering a deep and lasting connection to Chinese history and identity.

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