The Rhododendron has always been a favorite subject of the literati. Rhododendron is a traditional flower in China and enjoys the reputation of "Xi Shi in flower" (Xi Shi is one of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China).

April is the time when rhododendrons are in full bloom, and many places in Sichuan are perfect for viewing them. For example, WawuMountain in Meishan City is known as the "Kingdom of Rhododendrons in the World". In Yanbian County, Panzhihua City, there is 185,000-acre of wild rhododendrons, which is known as "China's largest wild rhododendron sea".

Among the many rhododendron species in Sichuan, the most distinctive one is the Rhododendron calophytum collected from Baoxing County, Ya'an City. It has won the title of "Queen of Rhododendron", "Beauty Red" and "Beauty-face Rhododendron"for its large leaves and profuse flowers.

Why is it called "Beauty-face Rhododendron"? Perhaps because of its colorful flower clusters, it has a beautiful makeup. Its flowers are pink at the beginning, and then turn pink to white, like a "flower fairy" who can change the appearance.