Several gardens are very outstanding in China because the selective collections are the best sites for research and education. Most gardens are also very instructive for local people to understand botany and horticulture. Actually, every garden is excellent if traveler are interested in the collection.
    About 700 rose Cultivars are grown in the rose garden, covering an area of 7 ha. With a European style, a hidden fountain and a cascade make an open theatre with hybrid tea roses, miniature roses, antique roses and wild roses along the pathway.
    Ornamental peach is very decorative by Chinese tradition. The ornamental peach Garden was completed at the beginning of 1980's, covering an area of 3.4 ha. 70 cultivars are collected at present. Flowering plum, forsythia and cherries sent by Japanese friends can be found in the garden too. Rich multicolored flowers cover the entire hillside during blooming spring. A new breeding program is carried on for cultivars with new color and early blossom.
    China is believed to keep the most species of lilac in the world. Lilac has long been grown as one of the ornamental plants. The lilac garden, covering an area of 3.5 ha, was first completed in the end of 1950's and then extended at the beginning of 1980's. 22 species and cultivars of lilac are collected here currently. The blooming time may last 6 weeks depending on different varieties.
    The arboretum is also a highlight in the garden. It is composed of conifers, maples, poplars, magnolias and many other tree species. The woods make much relaxation and comfort for visitors. It is also one of biggest conifer collection in China.

    Beijing Botanical Garden was founded in 1956 with financial support from central government. After ten-year rapid development, it had suffered a big pain from the Culture Revolution for another 10 years. During the recent 20 years, lots of projects were carried on the garden, especially after 1990. New collection areas are extended and more plant taxa are collected at present.