Cherries have blossomed at Shanghai Botanical Garden in Xuhui District, nearly one month earlier than the average, and the earliest for about 20 years.

"The warm and mild weather this winter, plus abundant rainfall, is the reason for the early flowering," said Ge Weijia, a gardening engineer at the garden.

When the temperature reaches above 5 degrees Celsius and lasts about 10 days, early blooming cherry varieties will wake up and flower, she said.