Hundreds flock to On King Street Park as cherry blossoms reach full bloom

Hong Kong's popular cherry blossom spot, On King Street Park in Sha Tin, was crowded with over 100 visitors on Sunday, as at least 13 cherry blossom trees in the park were in full bloom simultaneously.

According to a flower-viewing website from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the "flowering index" at the park has reached a perfect score of five out of five.

A visitor surnamed Tsui said enjoying cherry blossoms in Hong Kong has a unique charm and provides a greater sense of belonging compared to traveling to Japan for the view.

"It's very special that Hong Kong is such a small place, yet it has some noteworthy spots,” she said, adding that she hopes to see more cherry blossoms or other flower species in local parks in the future.

Another visitor, surnamed Poon, who has over ten years of photography experience, mentioned that he photographs cherry blossoms every year and believes this year's blossoms bloomed about a month earlier than in previous years.

A visitor from the North District, surnamed Tam, described the cherry blossoms as lush and the atmosphere as lively. 

He expressed hope that Hong Kong can plant more trees, such as cherry blossoms, to achieve the concept of "tourism everywhere."

"I hope the area can be a bit larger," said one visitor, surnamed Cheng. Her companion, noted that it was more crowded than she had imagined.

The LCSD's website states that more than 100 cherry blossom trees are planted in On King Street Park.