More than 4,000 runners take part in the marathon in the Fenghua district of Ningbo, Zhejiang province on March 19. [Photo by Huang Zongzhi/Xinhua]

A marathon was held in the Fenghua district of Ningbo, Zhejiang province on March 19, attracting more than 4,000 runners from 13 countries and regions to run along the peach blossom-lined route through the Xikou scenic area, Tengtou village and other beautiful areas of the district. A full marathon, half marathon and mini marathon were organized for entrants.

Fenghua is known as China's home of honey peaches, boasting over 3,000 hectares of peach trees. Praised as the most romantic venue for viewing peach blossoms in China, the district attracts many tourists every spring.

A series of peach blossom appreciation activities were held along with the marathon contest.

Participants run past rural buildings painted with peach blossoms along the marathon route in Ningbo’s Fenghua district on March 19. [Photo by Ding Jimin]