The Yangminshan flower festival (February 20-March 22) in Taipei started a little earlier than anticipated this yearPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianAround a quarter of the 2,400 cherry blossoms on display bloomed early due to unusually warm temperatures, according to The China PostPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianAround 40,000 visitors turned up to see the blossom over the Valentine's weekendPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianThis is despite the fact that the trees and temperatures are closely monitored to predict the emergence of the blossomPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianCherry blossom festivals have been celebrated for centuries in China, Japan and Tawain, a symbol of spring’s arrival for the winter-weary Photograph: Dan Chung/GuardianThe social phenomenon of flower viewing started in ChinaPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianThe imperial households, poets, singers and other aristocrats would gather and celebrate under the blossomsPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianThese days, miliions use the opportunity to have picnics and parties Photograph: Dan Chung/GuardianThe Yangmingshan flower festival in Taipei attracts around 2 million Taiwan visitors each yearPhotograph: Dan Chung/Guardian
