With petals that scarcely fill the lap and a fragrance that gently wafts through the air, a 170-year-old wintersweet in Nanqiao Town, Fengxian District, is now in full bloom. Its golden blossoms adorn the gnarled branches, and its subtle scent fills the courtyard, bringing a touch of grace to Shanghai's winter.

This ancient wintersweet, hailed as the "No. 1 Plum in Jiangnan", stands in the Cao family courtyard at 88 Lane 540, Xinjian Middle Road, Nanqiao Town. Planted by Cao Zongnai, a Tongzhi-era scholar, the tree features sinewy branches like a coiling dragon, dense blooms with pure yellow centers, and a delightful, sweet aroma. It is celebrated as the finest among Shanghai's ancient trees.

Cao Guoyong, the caretaker of the ancient plum, tends to the tree with great care every day. Recently, due to health issues, his brother Cao Guojie has stepped in to continue the care. "The warmer weather this year has delayed the blooming," Cao Guojie told reporters. Typically blooming in late December, the wintersweet began to bloom in early January this year, with the peak bloom anticipated around January 20. About one third of the flowers are currently in bloom, and the season will extend into late February.

The wintersweet's fragrance also stirs a sense of community. "I've visited here since childhood, and I never miss the annual bloom," said local resident Ms. Jiang. "Though the flowers are late due to the warm weather, they seem even more vibrant in the cold."

The Cao family courtyard is open to visitors from 9:00 to 16:00 daily. On a sunny winter day, take a moment to visit this "No.1 Plum in Jiangnan", steeped in history and fragrance, and soak in its century-old charm.