You've done the sakura circuit in Japan. You've seen the Instagram posts. But China’s flower culture? It's been going for 2,000 years longer, with philosophical weight that makes hanami look like a recent trend. If you're ready to go deeper than sakura, this is where you start.

When the sakura forecast drops, flights to Tokyo triple in price and viewing spots overflow with tourists. But Japan's cherry blossoms bloom from January to May across different regions. Here's how to experience hanami without the crowds.