Tens of thousands of local residents are expected to travel to Nanhui District in late March and early April to enjoy the annual Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival.

　　The festival is scheduled to open on March 25 and wrap up on April 12, but mother nature will play a key role in determining when the star attractions are ready.

　　"If we don't have too much rain or a dramatic decline in temperatures, the peach blossoms will be open earlier and more visitors are expected to come," said Liang Ming, vice director of the Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival Committee Office.

　　Nanhui, which is home to 2,667 hectares of peach groves, has hosted the event since 1991. Last year, more than 60,000 local residents made their way to the district, which is an hour-long drive from downtown, to take a peak at the blossoming trees.

　　"In addition to the beauty of the flowers, peach blossoms can bring people good luck in love," smiled Liang.

　　An old Chinese saying suggests that anyone who meets his or her loved one under a blossoming peach tree will enjoy a lucky relationship.

　　The festival has added several events and other attractions over the years, since few will return year after year simply to look at peach trees.

　　Last year, many people were attracted to the event to watch a large fireworks show that lit up the district's dark sky.

　　This year, organizers have set up a 28-hectare tulip park with more than 3.2 million flowers.

　　Besides walking among the suburban peach trees, tourists will also have the opportunity to view the delicately cultivated tulips.

　　When completed, the tulip garden will also include windmills, and other typical architecture from Holland, a country closely associated with the cultivation of tulips.

　　If tulips and peaches aren't enough to attract you to Nanhui, perhaps the chance to walk along the district's beach and ports will draw you to the area.

　　City dwellers can also stop into the homes of many of the district's residents and enjoy some local delicacies, such as sanhuang chicken and big bowls or potherbs.

　　Last year, many downtown residents swarmed into the rural homes to enjoy the strange foods and play with farming tools.

　　Fruit and vegetable vendors in the area enjoy high sales during the festival, as tourists from urban parts of the city enjoy freshly picked produce. Some local farmers can earn more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,204) during the event.

　　"The blossom festival is just a byproduct of Nanhui's peaches, whose sweet taste is famous throughout the city," said Liang.

　　Time: March 25 to April 12

　　Venue: Huinanzhen Town, Luchao Town, Xinchang Town in Nanhui District

　　Tickets: 30 to 40 yuan

　　Traffic: Hunan Line, starting on Dongchang Road, Pudong; Tourist Line Two, near Shanghai Stadium