The opening ceremony of 2017 Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Week turned Wuxi's Turtle Head Isle into a festive flower-filled paradise.

The event gained extra attention on account of the presence of a young Japanese woman; Someya Tomomi, a 22-year old Japanese woman who stands as the current cherry blossom princess of the Japan Cherry Blossom Association.

Someya Tomomi, the 9th cherry blossom princess of Japan Cherry Blossom Association, takes part in the opening ceremony of 2017 Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Week at Turtle Head Isle, Wuxi, on March 28. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Someya's mission is to act as an ambassador of culture for Japan, promote the culture of her homeland, and further the ties of friendship between Japan and China. She was making her first visit to the East China city and was impressed by both the scenery and the hospitality of Wuxi locals.

She arrived in Wuxi on March 27 and has been involved in a range of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of a local cherry tree orchard that is symbolic of Sino-Japanese friendship. Over the coming days, Someya will take part in a tea ceremony, a traditional folk music performance, a cooking demonstration, and a lecture on the subject of etiquette.

The cherry blossom princess takes a photo with visitors during the opening ceremony of 2017 Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Week at Turtle Head Isle, Wuxi, on March 28. [Photo provided to China Daily]