In anticipation of the New Year, the traditional "Visit Flower Street, Obtain Good Fortune" spectacle in Guangzhou is gearing up, with the spotlight on the renowned Yuexiu Xihu Flower Market. At the 2024 Yuexiu Xihu Flower Market press conference, it was revealed that the festivities will kick off on February 6th at 8:30 AM and continue until February 10th at 2:00 AM, spanning four days.
Continuing the legacy of "a century-old flower market rooted in Yuexiu," the early stage of the flower market and Spring Festival periods will witness the"New Year Consumption Festival" and unique product promotions in in the Beijing Road, intangible cultural heritage exhibition featuring the flower market, and the grand interactive event "Peach Blossom Paradise." These initiatives aim to provide a diverse, convenient, and high-quality consumer experience for both locals and visitors.
Main memorial archway
Four spectacular landmarks
In 2021, the "Flower Street" tradition at Yuexiu Xihu Flower Market became not only Guangzhou's first but also the only recommended Spring Festival folk custom to be included in the national-level intangible cultural heritage representative project list. During the Year of the Dragon, the Yuexiu Xihu Flower Market returned to the Jiaoyu Road and Xihu Road areas, with creatively designed features such as the main memorial archway and central flower bed showcasing craftsmanship.
The four spectacular landmarks include:
(1) Main memorial archway inspired by Gongbei Tower: the main memorial archway of the flower market, resembling Gongbei Tower, stands grandly in Xihu Square, exuding a majestic and ancient charm.
(2) Central flower bed inspired by dragon gate in Guangdong Gongyuan: the central flower bed draws inspiration from the dragon gate of the Guangdong Examination Hall. Adorned with a banner that reads "dragon gate," it symbolizes the auspicious concept of "fish leaping over the dragon gate to evolve into a dragon." This enchanting setup graces the intersection of Xihu Road and Education Road in Yuexiu District.
Central flower bed inspired by dragon gate in Guangdong Gongyuan
(3) Dragon soars over the flower sea: The landscape of the dragon soaring over the flower sea complements the main arch at Gongbei Tower. Elements from the intangible cultural heritage of the Longyan dragon dance inspire the design, featuring a copper pot dripping water reminiscent of a double-door base.
(4) Maritime Silk Road boat: The "Maritime Silk Road boat," inspired by the "Nanhai No. 1," symbolizes Guangzhou's spirit of embarking on a "second venture" in the new era. Located on the southern segment of Beijing Road's "Flower Street," the boat will host activities such as live broadcasts supporting farmers and exhibitions of Cantonese culture and arts.
Dragon soars over the flower sea
Entertaining metaverse experience
This year, 5G mobile internet and 3D visual technology will see broader applications at the flower market. The spokesperson explained that the metaverse flower market will enable citizens to virtually "stroll the flower street, shop for New Year goods, and celebrate the New Year" from the comfort of their homes. This immersive experience aims to consistently attract attention to the Yuexiu Xihu Flower Market.
Simultaneously, on online flower market platforms like the "Yuexiu XihuMetaverse Flower Market," the Yuexiu District Flower Market Office will use real-time digital indicators and color codes to assess the "comfort level" of "strolling flower street." In case of excessive crowd pressure, timely alerts will be issued, and all platforms within the district will simultaneously broadcast information. If necessary, there may be the possibility of implementing "circuit breaker" measures. At that time, subway stations such as Gongyuanqian and Beijing Road might implement temporary closures, and certain sections of roads could undergo crowd control measures.
To enhance accessibility, authorities will offer trilingual flower market explanations (Mandarin, English, and sign language). Additionally, a shared wheelchair service aims to ensure that individuals with special needs can enjoy the warmth of the flower market, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious social environment.
Maritime Silk Road boat
Source | Yangcheng Evening News
