As Spring Festival approaches, more than 10 flowers have quietly bloomed on the world's only 400-year-old Magnolia soulangeana tree at the Wuhou Shrine in Mianxian county of Shaanxi province. [Photo: Xu Jiao/For chinadaily.com.cn]

As Spring Festival approaches, more than 10 flowers have quietly bloomed on the world's only 400-year-old Magnolia soulangeana tree at the Wuhou Shrine in Mianxian county of Shaanxi province, more than 20 days earlier than in previous years.

The rare ancient tree is now adorned with red and white blossoms. The petals are crystal-clear and delicate, shaped like lotus flowers rising from water.

Affected by higher temperatures from last winter to this spring, the flower buds have developed ahead of schedule.

Built in 263 AD, Wuhou Shrine, officially commissioned by an emperor, is the earliest to commemorate legendary strategist Zhuge Liang.