'Train to Spring' blossom paradise closed to tourists

A train runs in a mountainous area where flowers are in full bloom near Juyongguan Pass of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2016. [Photo/IC]

A location where spring blossoms are blooming, made popular by photos calling it "the Train to Spring" is no longer open to tourists since Sunday, triggering online controversy.

The place, near Juyongguan Pass of the Great Wall in Beijing, is well known as a great site for photography for its sea of flowers at the end of March and early April. Last year, pictures of train S2 winding through the peach flowers in full bloom became a hit online.

The number of tourists has increased by several times on the eve of Tomb-sweeping Day holiday compared with last year, said an employee in Juyongguan village committee, adding that there were about 1,000 tourists on March 27 alone.

However, some visitors smoke on the mountain, which puts the forest at risk of fire during the dry season, said the employee.

He also said that some photographers stand so close to the rail that the train is forced to stop.

The misbehavior of the visitors put pressure on the limited number of forest rangers to keep order and ensure safety.

The road leading to the site may be closed through Tomb-sweeping Day holiday and the exact date of reopening has not been confirmed yet.