The Vibrant Gulangyu Island

Birdsong and floral scents fill the vibrant Gulangyu Island. The trees are lush, and the spring flowers bloom brilliantly, heralding the spring prelude of the Gulangyu Academy of Arts. A dozen or so tall and straight pot-frame trees are scattered and rooted here, planted by the founders and students of the Gulangyu Academy of Crafts during the construction of the school buildings. These trees have now grown lush and leafy, their branches rubbing in the wind to make rustling sounds, like the joyful tunes of spring. The occasional perching birds add a crisp chirping, contributing to the rhythmic beauty. One pot-frame tree is particularly special, with a hackberry tree parasitically growing at the fork of its trunk. Compared to the usually tall and straight hackberries, this parasitic one appears more delicate. Shedding its winter barren branches, it sprouts new buds in early spring. Upon closer inspection, the center of the leaf veins is blood-red, with green edges, accompanied by tender yellow flowers and a faint fragrance. The lush foliage gives the parasitic hackberry an elegant shape, like an open umbrella, sheltering the roots of the pot-frame tree from wind and rain. It embodies the symbolism of the hackberry tree—nostalgia and beauty, representing the deep teacher-student affection of those who planted it. The newly planted African hibiscus has large buds that have already bloomed densely, hanging full on the branches, forcing the gardeners to carefully prune the slightly withered ones, leaving a tree full of bright flowers ready to bloom. Not far away, the bauhinia tree has unknowingly begun to exude a faint fragrance from its blossoms. Even the white petals that fall with the wind can cover the stone path with fragrance, making one reluctant to tread upon the pristine white. Compared to the bauhinia, the colorful bougainvillea stands out even more, with its tender and soft beauty irresistible to anyone. Deep in the path, the camellias bloom and fade and bloom again, each flower standing out conspicuously among the numerous buds. On the side of the hill, the yellow bellflower tree dominates the branches, without green leaves to compete for attention, its bright yellow visible from a hundred meters away. There's also the evergreen hemp vine under the water tower, blooming the first cluster of flowers of the ox year. Even the parasitic ferns on tree hollows and stone walls are thriving. At this moment, Laqing Slope is so colorful. From last year's planning and selection to transplantation and planting, through the nurturing and trimming of deep winter, the Laqing Slope of early spring is now more abundantly and interestingly green. Warm sun and blooming flowers, all things revive. We are in Gulangyu, Waiting for you to come and experience the spring.