You probably do not know what ostmanthus tree is. It doesn’t matter. But I can tell you it smells so wonderful when the tree is in blossom, producing a light, fresh and pleasing fragrance with its small yellow flowers.

To experience this very delightful smell, you must visit Hangzhou in September. For ostmanthus is the city flower of Hangzhou, which is one of China’s five ostmanthus producing areas. The Manjuelong Village to the south west of the West Lake is the spot for smelling the tree flowers. There, more than 7000 ostmanthus trees are planted, with some 200 years old.