The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 1

In early December, the mountains around Mu Cang Chai ( Lao Cai ) seem to put on a new coat as the cottonwood flowers bloom simultaneously. Every hillside, forest slope, and even the villages of the Hmong people are covered in the characteristic pink color, creating a rare and vibrant scene amidst the cold winter days.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 2

The wild peach blossom, also known as the forest peach blossom, has long been a familiar sign of the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) season for the Hmong people. This flower blooms much earlier than in other regions, usually about one to two months before the Lunar New Year.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 3

This year, the early arrival of the cold front has made the flowers even more vibrant in color, creating striking shades against the misty sky of the highlands at 1,000-1,600 meters.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 4

Unlike peach blossoms grown in the lowlands, these have five slender, elongated petals, creating a delicate yet striking appearance when they bloom in clusters. Especially when the tree sheds all its leaves, the entire pink hue seems to concentrate on the bare branches, causing anyone passing by to stop and admire them.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 5

During his trip to Mu Cang Chai on December 1st, Nguyen Minh Hai, 30 years old, a tourist from Hanoi , said he didn't expect the flowers to be in such full bloom. "Along the road to the center of the commune, I saw a whole area of pink flowers stretching out. It was cold and foggy, but the flowers were so vibrant. Looking at that scene, I felt like winter suddenly became warmer," Hai said.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 6

Not only tourists, but also locals clearly feel the special beauty of this year's flower season. Ms. Giang Thi Dua, who lives in La Pan Tan commune, said that flowers in high-altitude areas like her house usually bloom earlier. "This year it's been very cold, so the flowers have beautiful colors, thicker petals, and last longer. These past few days I've seen quite a lot of visitors coming to take pictures, especially in the mornings when the fog clears," Ms. Dua said.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 7

According to a tour guide who has led many trekking routes in Mu Cang Chai, the flowers of the "to day" plant always bloom according to a specific pattern: they bloom first in higher areas and later in lower areas. Therefore, La Pan Tan is usually the first place to change color, followed by Pu Nhu, Lao Chai, and then gradually spreading towards the center of Mu Cang Chai.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 8

In villages like Thào Chua Chải, Mí Háng, Mồ Dề, and Chế Cu Nha, the leafless tớ dày trees are now in full bloom, transforming the familiar landscape into a multi-layered tapestry of pink hues.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 9

The flowering season of the thick-leaved mangrove usually lasts about a month, but it's at its most spectacular for only three to four weeks. Currently, Mu Cang Chai is at the peak of the season, with low temperatures, clear skies, and gentle cool breezes causing the petals to flutter softly against the pale gray sky.

The vibrant pink of the wild jasmine flowers blankets the mountains and forests of Mu Cang Chai in the middle of winter - 10