Travel Notes from Amsterdam, Netherlands(Part One)

樊 灵感清泉

【A Sea of Splendor—The World of Tulips】 【Beautiful Netherlands】

We journeyed through the Low Countries—the beautiful Netherlands—with Oulei Oulei Red Line Tours. A quarter of this nation lies below sea level. Through ingenuity and resilience, the Dutch have kept the sea at bay with windmills, dikes, and canals, forging world-leading water management expertise. Endless tulip fields, scattered windmills, and crisscrossing canals create a breathtakingly serene landscape. The Netherlands is a global trade powerhouse, with Rotterdam boasting Europe's largest port. Its agriculture thrives with world-leading flower exports. As the birthplace of artistic giants like Rembrandt and Van Gogh, classical and modern art coexist here. The nation embraces openness and inclusivity, with English widely spoken. Cycling is integral to daily life, with more bicycles than people.

【The World of Tulips】

Tulips originated in Central Asia and the Ottoman Empire. After being introduced to the Netherlands in the late 16th century, they quickly became symbols of wealth and status, sparking the famous "Tulip Mania" during the country's 17th-century "Golden Age." With diverse flower forms and vibrant colors—ranging from single and double blooms to fringed and lily types, featuring solid hues, bicolors, gradients, and flame patterns—the tulip has become the national flower and a defining image of the Netherlands. The country not only incorporates tulip motifs extensively in art and tourism but has also built a world-leading floral industry centered around them. The Netherlands stands as the world's largest floral exporter, commanding 40–50% of the global market share. Its exports encompass not only tulips but also roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, carnations, and other fresh-cut flowers, alongside bulbs, seedlings, potted plants, and gardening supplies. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction stands as the world's largest floral trading hub. Leveraging efficient logistics and cold chain systems, it delivers fresh flowers to major European cities within 48 hours and exports them to destinations including Germany, the UK, France, the US, Japan, and China. The floral industry not only generates substantial employment in the Netherlands but also synergizes with tourism. Each spring, Keukenhof Park draws millions of visitors to wander through seas of flowers, witnessing the charm of the Netherlands as the "Garden Kingdom."

【European Garden - Keukenhof Park, Netherlands】

Keukenhof Park, located in Lisse, South Holland, Netherlands, approximately 40 kilometers from Amsterdam, is one of the world's most renowned and largest spring gardens, hailed as the "Garden of Europe." In the 15th century, it served as the kitchen garden for Countess Jacobina's castle (Keuken means "kitchen" in Dutch), where herbs and vegetables were cultivated. Since 1949, Dutch flower growers have hosted spring flower exhibitions here. It has gradually evolved into an international floral park spanning approximately 32 hectares, featuring over 7 million blooms annually, including tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and lilies. The park includes lakes, tree-lined paths, floral pavilions, and various themed landscapes, making it ideal for leisurely strolls. The park features multiple pavilions, such as the Willem-Alexander The entrance to Keukenhof, the renowned tulip-themed garden in the Netherlands known as the "Garden of Europe," attracts visitors from around the world each spring to admire its sea of blooming flowers. Here, you can see the modern entrance structure. The tour guide waved a small flag as she explained the itinerary and precautions. On this early April morning, a lingering chill of late winter still hung in the air. Everyone wore warm jackets in different colors, creating a lively scene filled with anticipation.

First Impressions of the Kindergarten

Stepping through the gates of Keukenhof Park, a spacious plaza unfolds before your eyes. Here, crowds bustle about as visitors from around the world gather together—some chatting in small groups, others poring over maps to plan their routes, while still others eagerly raise their phones to capture their first memories.
The square is surrounded by lush greenery, with an open-air lounge area at its center. Visitors sit or stand, savoring the relaxed atmosphere as they first enter the garden. Though merely the starting point, the festive buzz of spring is already palpable, heralding the journey through the sea of blooms that lies ahead.
This is today's itinerary for touring the world-renowned tulip exhibition garden.

【Foreword】

Part One: Stroll Through the Garden

Part Two: Viewing Inside the Museum

Part Three: Windmills and Flower Fields
Part One: Stroll Through the Garden

"First, we strolled along the garden paths, flanked by seas of blooming tulips. Different flower sections were arranged in a staggered pattern according to variety and color, each spot resembling an oil painting."

【 International Classification Standard for Tulips in Horticulture】

According to the classification standards of the international horticultural community (primarily based on the system of the Royal Dutch Tulip Association), there are currently over 3,000 registered named varieties of tulips. When combined with horticulturally bred hybrids, the total number can exceed 8,000 varieties.
In practical cultivation and appreciation, they are often classified into 15 major categories based on flower shape, blooming period, and color, such as:

1. Single Early — Early blooming period, well-formed flowers.
2. Double Early — Multiple layers of petals, resembling miniature peonies.
3. Darwin Hybrid — Large, vibrantly colored flowers.
4. Single Late — Tall flower stems, late blooming period.
5. Double Late — Numerous petals, large flower form.
6. Triumph—The most common cut flower variety, available in a wide range of colors.
7. Lily-flowered — petals are slender and pointed, resembling lilies.
8. Fringed — Petal edges feature a fringe-like appearance.
9. Parrot Type — Wavy petals, vibrant colors.
10. Viridiflora (Peruvian Type) — Petals feature green stripes.
11. Multi-flowering — Multiple flowers on a single stem.
12. Kaufmanniana type — Flowers resemble water lilies and bloom early.
13. Fosteriana—Large flowers with vivid colors.
14. Greigii type — Leaves bear purple markings.
15. Wild Original Species — Closely resembling natural wild forms.

Geometric Flowerbeds: A Spring Prelude

This is a classic geometric flowerbed: a central patch of golden tulips stands tall and orderly, like sunlight spilling across the grass. Beside them tower crown fritillaries (Fritillaria imperialis), their orange-red blooms bowing downward as if a proud knightly guard watches over the bed. Behind them, red and white tulips create a striking contrast, reflecting spring's vitality. This flowerbed embodies the beauty of order and precision, with distinct color zones that resemble a spring oil painting

A sea of purple and pink flowers

This vast sea of flowers features purple and pink tulips as its main attraction: tulips in varying shades of purple intertwine, some deep violet, others pale pink, creating a romantic atmosphere. Dotted throughout the sea are yellow-orange crown lilies, resembling tiny lanterns that break the monotony of the single color palette. We also spot some narcissus, their small yellow trumpet-shaped blooms adding a lively touch. This free-spirited blend of flowers captures spring's carefree vitality and exuberance.

Symphony of Colors

This is the most vibrant flowerbed in the entire garden: tulips in red, orange, yellow, purple, and pink intertwine to create a true "symphony of colors." Rising above them, giant ornamental onions (Allium giganteum) bear enormous purple spherical flower clusters, like purple planets dotting the sky above the sea of flowers. Crown fritillaries add dramatic flair with their orange-red blooms and green crowns. This arrangement emphasizes depth and layering: low-growing tulips below, alliums and fritillaries above, with striking color contrasts—making it an ideal photo spot.

Golden Avenue

Behold this vast expanse of golden tulips, like a flower-lined path paved with gold: these Darwin hybrid tulips boast large blooms and sturdy stems, making them ideal for exhibitions. Interspersed among them are crown daffodils and yellow narcissi, adding depth to this golden world. Visitors stroll along the path, flanked by seas of flowers that resemble welcoming honor guards. The theme of this floral expanse is splendor and joy, offering visitors the warmest embrace of spring.

A ribbon-like sea of flowers

This is an expansive display area showcasing a broader spectrum of color distribution: Flower colors: Pink, rose, deep red, and orange-yellow alternate in rows, creating a ribbon-like effect; Classification: Primarily Triumph and Single Late varieties; Characteristics: Planted in dense patches, they resemble colorful waves from a distance, making them ideal for overall viewing and photography.

A kaleidoscope of tulips

This flower field boasts remarkable layering: the front rows feature tulips in vibrant hues—crimson, pink, orange-yellow, and purple—arranged in cascading tiers to create a gradient rainbow effect. Among these tulips, both single-petaled upright varieties and double-petaled varieties with ruffled petals add visual richness. The contrasting colors—such as the interplay of deep purple and orange-yellow—make the sea of flowers appear exceptionally vibrant. This section leans toward a "color-block" planting style, with layers unfolding like a dazzling tapestry.

A romantic sea of flowers in shades of pink and red

Here we see a vast expanse of tulips dominated by red, pink, and white hues—soft yet vibrant colors. Red and pink blooms alternate in rows, interspersed with white flowers, like a sweet spring serenade. The towering forest in the background accentuates the lushness and abundance of the floral sea. The design of this area emphasizes the "interweaving of similar hues," achieving overall harmony and creating a romantic, warm atmosphere.

A vibrant trio of colors

The tulips here are predominantly yellow, pink, and deep red. Bright yellow, vibrant red, and soft pink—these three hues appear fresh and lively against the lawn backdrop. Blue grape hyacinths dot the flowerbed edges like beads strung along a floral ribbon, adding depth to the color palette. This area embodies a "fresh and minimalist" planting style, featuring bold yet natural color contrasts.

The Dance of Narcissus and Tulip

This section features not only tulips but also expansive fields of narcissus. The white and pale yellow blooms serve as a backdrop for the tulips; the delicate form of the narcissus intertwines with the tulips' upright posture, adding depth to the scene. The design highlight of this area is its "composite planting" technique, where narcissus and tulips complement

The Contrasting Beauty of Purple and Orange Pink

This flower field features purple tulips as the main attraction, accented by tulips in a gradient of pink and orange. The two colors create a striking contrast—the deep purple and the light, cheerful pink and orange—resulting in a powerful visual impact. Near the edges, tall crown lilies and a few dark-colored flowers add depth and dimension to the overall composition. This section embraces "contrast planting," emphasizing color tension to deliver a bright and awe-inspiring viewing experience.

Cherry blossoms and sculptures complement each other beautifully.

Master Plan Landscape: A fusion of sculptures, cherry trees, and tulips. Flower Colors: Pink and red intermingled, accented by lighter varieties around the periphery. Classification: Primarily Single Early varieties. Characteristics: The garden landscape integrates sculptures with a sea of flowers, complemented by blooming cherry blossoms to enhance an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility.

Flower Path of the Green Hedge Flower Corridor

This is a landscape area combining arched hedges with a floral pathway: Flower colors: Yellow, red, purple-black, and white mixed, accented with hyacinths (blue); Classification: Multi-variety mixed exhibition area, including Triumphal varieties and other spring bulb flowers; Features: Framed by green arches, walking through it feels like traversing a floral tunnel.

The most vibrantly colored hybrid exhibition area

This is one of the most vibrant and diverse exhibition areas: Varieties: Multicolored tulips and daffodils in shades of yellow, white, red, purple, and pink Classification: Triumph class and mixed planting display Features: A kaleidoscope of colors with rich layering, enhancing the joyful and touristic atmosphere for photo opportunities

Part Two: Inside the Oranje Nassau Pavilion

"Stepping into the greenhouse pavilion, visitors are treated to a more meticulously arranged floral exhibition. Here, rare tulip varieties, floral artistry, and unique designs blending flowers with decorative elements are showcased."
Oranje Nassau Pavilion at Keukenhof Park, Netherlands

Below are various tulips we observed at the Orange Nassau Pavilion (with assistance from horticultural staff, we've provided brief descriptions) for your reference during viewing. Corrections are welcome. Thank you.
This is a mixed variety tulip, classified as a Single Late Triumph type. It features standard cup-shaped blooms in yellow, red-and-yellow bicolor, pink, white, purple, and other hues. With upright stems, it is ideal for large-scale displays. This is a mixed variety tulip, belonging to the Triumph class and Single Early type. It features a combination of orange, pink, white, and red varieties, with some petals displaying wavy edges and high color saturation. It is suitable for both cut flowers and landscape arrangements. These are the Red Princess and Orange Princess tulips, both belonging to the Double Early category. They feature peony-type blooms with multiple layers of petals, displaying either rich, intense colors or soft, delicate hues, making them exceptionally ornamental.

This is the Pink Ardour tulip, belonging to the Triumph class. Its petals are a vibrant pink, broad in shape, with a deep-hued shading at the center. The bloom is open and generous, radiating a soft, warm tone. This is a mixed planting of Orange Princess and a purple double-petaled tulip (to be confirmed). Orange Princess belongs to the Double Early category, featuring a gradient of orange and pink hues with multiple layers of petals. The purple double-petaled variety belongs to the Double Late category, boasting an elegant color that creates a striking contrast with the orange-pink tones This is the World Friendship tulip (name to be confirmed), classified as a Single Late variety. It features a yellow base with orange shading, large, flat-spreading blooms, and a black center, creating a bright and vibrant visual effect. This is the Carnaval de Nice and Angelique tulips, both belonging to the Double Late category. Carnaval de Nice features a white base with red stripes, boasting a full, layered bloom. Angelique displays soft pink peony-shaped petals, exuding a gentle and romantic charm. This is a combination of Crystal Star (to be confirmed) and a red Triumph tulip; Crystal Star belongs to the Fringed class, featuring finely serrated fringes along the petal edges and a bright, vibrant yellow hue; the red Triumph variety belongs to the Triumph class, exhibiting a standard, upright flower form. This is a mixed planting of Flaming Flag (to be confirmed) and white single-petal early-flowering tulips. Flaming Flag belongs to the Triumph class, featuring a white base with purple-hued streaks for striking color contrast. The white variety belongs to the Single Early class, boasting pure white blooms and an upright form. Part Three: Windmills and Flower Fields

After touring the exhibition hall, we returned to the park and climbed the windmill to gaze out over the vast flower fields. The sprawling tulip plantations resembled a colorful carpet, showcasing the magnificent spectacle of Dutch floral beauty.

We climbed the windmill to view the vast expanse of beautiful tulip fields. The scenery at Keukenhof Park, where windmills and seas of flowers complement each other, features visitors pausing to take photos on a white footbridge, with blooming daffodils and iconic traditional Dutch windmills as their backdrop. The iconic tulip fields of the Dutch spring display ribbons of pink, red, and orange stretching to the horizon, creating a unique rural landscape alongside distant farmhouses and factories. Tourists snapped photos of the vast sea of blooming red tulips along the canal banks, while a small boat named "ROSALIE III" carried passengers along the waterway, offering close-up views of the flower fields. 【The lingering resonance of the soul】

" After completing the three-part journey through Keukenhof Park, it felt like having had an in-depth conversation with spring.
Amidst the sea of flowers in the garden, we are enveloped by a symphony of colors; Within the exhibition halls, we witness the artistry and refinement of floral design; Climbing the windmill for a distant view, the fields of blooms unfold like a colorful poem.
These scenes intertwine, not merely filling the eyes but soothing the soul. The fragrance of flowers drifts on the breeze, carrying away the clamor of the world, making one suddenly realize: beauty needs no explanation. It simply exists in quiet presence, touching the heartstrings.
As I left the garden, a tender emotion still rippled through my heart. It was a happiness gently soothed by spring, as if I had walked not merely through a world of flowers, but through a shining memory in the journey of life.
In this quiet moment, gratitude quietly wells up within me: Were it not for the Creator of heaven and earth, how could such abundant spring beauty exist? The blooming and fading of flowers are all in His hands, and my heart grows steadfast in this beauty—may I follow the Lord closely, that my life may be filled with peace, joy, and eternal hope through Him."