May 5 marks Lixia, the beginning of summer according to the lunar calendar. Here in Shenzhen, different types of flora on the SIGS campus are starting to flourish and bloom, embracing the change of seasons with open arms.
“No flower evokes thoughts of the tropics quite like a frangipani does—the beautiful form, the colors and that perfume!”
The Plumeria rubra tree, commonly known as frangipani, or egg flower with its yellow and white petals, has started to bloom on the northwest side of our teaching buildings. Early in the morning, its distinct, sweet and tropical scent wafts in the air.
Spot the Alpinia zerumbet, also known as shell ginger, beside the small bridge on campus. As a species of the ginger family, long leaf blades of the plant can be used in cuisine or herbal tea. Its pink and white buds resemble sea shells, giving it the name of shell flower or pink porcelain lily.
Northwest of the solar panels on campus are our mango trees which are now slowly bearing fruit. In the fall, its sweet juicy fruit will be ripe and ready for our students to taste.
As in past years, the Delonix regia will soon turn the Tsinghua SIGS campus into a vibrant red. The flamboyant tree is also known as Flame Tree or Phoenix Tree for its bright red flowers. Native to Africa and introduced to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, the Flame Tree is one of the most colorful trees in the world.
Flame tree in full bloom (taken last May)
Summer has also brought us clear blue skies and white fluffy clouds. With a light breeze, these clouds travel fast and free.
A summer night’s stroll on the SIGS campus is especially peaceful. On May 7, we were able to capture the final supermoon of 2020, also called the Milk Moon.
The campus has implemented extensive safety measures for COVID-19 prevention and recently completed its second drill to prepare for the return of students to campus. As the sun shines brighter and summer flowers start to bloom, we look forward to reuniting with our students and faculty members on this beautiful campus very soon.
Photos by Chen Chaoqun, Ding Chao, Gao Chaoyang
Video by Wen Ya
Edited by Karen Lee
