Peaches are thus considered divine fruit of the gods withthe power to keep you perpetually young. Peach wood is believed to ward off evil. The blossoms are also considered good luck, and symbolize a state of intense love. (Photo/CNTV)

When it comes to the peach tree, just about every part of it has a rich historical and cultural significance. In Chinese Taoist mythology, the sacred tree of immortality is a peach tree. Peaches are thus considered divine fruit of the gods with the power to keep you perpetually young. Peach wood is believed to ward off evil. The blossoms are also considered good luck, and symbolize a state of intense love.

This explains why romantic hopefuls seek to surround themselves with the special flower, now that they are beginning to bloom.

Garden Visitor said, "It’s my first time in Beijing and I came especially to see the peach blossoms, hoping they will bring me love affairs."

Peach blossoms also reach deep into classic Chinese literature. Cao Xueqin, author of "Dream of the Red Chamber", one of the Four Great Classical Novels, believes that all women are flowers - beautiful but fragile. In "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", another one of the four classics, the three heroes become sworn brothers in a garden of peach blossoms, symbolizing their friendship.