With the sun shining and the kapok flowers blooming, it's the time of year again for the people of Changning County to indulge in their annual tradition of "eating" spring.

In the Yilin Community of Kasi Town, Changning County, villagers like Nan Cuifang gather with their friends to make freshly picked kapok flowers into a variety of delectable dishes. These dishes have become local favorites from stir-fried kapok flower buds with cured meat to chilled kapok flower petals with chives and Dai-style sour soup with kapok flowers.

Yet, kapok flowers are just the beginning of Changning's spring culinary delights. White egret flowers, ferns, Crateva unilocularis, Chinese toon leaves, and more will find their way onto Changning locals' plates, bringing a burst of springtime flavor to their meals. (Editors: Amy, Ines)

Villagers picking kapok flowers

Villagers selecting kapok flowers

Villagers gathering for a kapok flower feast

Chilled kapok flower petals

Stir-fried kapok flower buds with cured meat

Kapok flower banquet

Blooming kapok flowers

Handpicked kapok flowers