Springtime in the mountains and foothills of Sichuan province brings an exuberant tapestry of color. Early flowers appear in March, including bright yellow fields of rapeseed in farmlands, and the first magnolia flowers. Most flowers start blooming in April, including showy azaleas and rhododendrons in pink, red and magenta, yellow poppies, Chinese redbud trees, and some orchids. The primary areas for wildflower viewing are in the mountainous zones around Wolong, Balang Mountain, Four Sisters Mountain National Park, and the giant panda reserve we visit via special-access permits. Springtime is panda mating season, too, and while we are never likely to see them, there is chance we could hear them calling while mating.