Here is a list of some must-try spring vegetables in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province:

Bamboo shoots

Spring bamboo shoots are new shoots that have broken through the soil and appear above ground, as opposed to winter ones that are harvested underground. The tip of the shoot is incredibly tender and sweet, and Hangzhou locals like to stew them with salted pork or braise them in soy sauce.

A farmer harvests spring bamboo shoots in Lin'an district, Hangzhou. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Chinese toon

Chinese toon, known as xiangchun (香椿), is widely appreciated for its tender green sprouts and leaves. It usually hits the market in February, marking the arrival of early spring.

Frying Chinese toon with eggs is Hangzhou people's favorite way to cook the plant, which tastes somewhat similar to truffle oil drizzled over eggs. It is also popular served in a tofu salad with oil, lemon juice and walnuts.

Chinese toon, or xiangchun, usually hits the market in February. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Indian kalimeris herb

Indian kalimeris herb, known as malantou (马兰头) in Chinese, is enjoyed by locals for its unique flavor. Locals like to collect young leaves and stems of malantou in early spring and cook them with dried bean curd.

Shepherd's purse

In Hangzhou, shepherd's purse is known as jicai (荠菜). It is stir-fried with rice cakes and other ingredients or as part of the filling in wontons and dumplings.