In Guangzhou, it is a long-standing tradition for families to visit the flower street before the Lunar New Year. In the annual market selling Spring Festival flowers, colorful blossoms are in full bloom and crowds buzz with excitement. As the Year of the Dragon approaches, preparations for the sale of Spring Festival flowers are already in full swing, with prices for popular flowers seeing a year-on-year increase of 10% to 30%.
Many citizens visit the Lingnan Flower Market to select their Spring Festival flowers. (Photo by Chen Qiuming)
In 2024, Guangzhou is set to host an even grander and more festive Spring Festival flower market. The flower markets in different districts of Guangzhou will be open for varying durations during the Spring Festival. The flower market in Zengcheng District will be the earliest to open on January 31st and will remain open for 10 days until February 9th. The flower market in Conghua District will start on February 3rd and last seven days. The flower markets in Tianhe and Baiyun Districts have extended their duration from the previous three days to six days, which is the longest period in recent years. On the other hand, the flower markets in other districts of Guangzhou will be held for four to six days.
Rose begonia grown in the Zhongluotan Flower Nursery in Baiyun District. (Photo by Liang Yu)
According to the available information from each district, the upcoming Spring Festival Flower Market is expected to be larger in scale this year. For instance, the Huazhi Flower Market, located in Haizhu District, will feature 400 stalls. The flower market in Tianhe District will expand from one circle to two circles, with a capacity of 362 stalls. Huadu District is planning to have around 300 exhibition stalls, which is an increase of over 100 compared to last year. Similarly, the flower markets in Liwan District, Baiyun District, and Zengcheng District will each have more than 300 stalls.
Orchids in the Zhongluotan Flower Nursery in Baiyun District. (Photo by Liang Yu)
Moreover, the flower market in the Year of the Dragon is expected to have a stronger festive atmosphere.
In the Yuexiu District, the Xihu Flower Market will further showcase its century-old brand, which has been instrumental in preserving the traditional Lingnan folk culture and advocating for the national intangible cultural heritage of "Flower Street".
Citizens carefully select Spring Festival flowers at the Lingnan Flower Market. (Photo by Chen Qiuming)
Flower farmers pot, transplant, and arrange orchids. (Photo by Liang Yu)
The Liwan District is set to bring back the traditional Spring Festival flower market on Liwan Road, while also introducing the Guangzhou Waterborne Flower Market in the Lizhiwan area. This new addition will provide citizens with an opportunity to engage in waterborne transactions and experience the joy that comes with it.
As the only riverside flower market in Guangzhou, the Binjiang Flower Market is the main venue of the Haizhu District that emphasizes both heritage and innovation. It will invite 20 inheritors of intangible cultural heritage to showcase their skills, and traditional programs such as Cantonese music and opera performances, as well as Hanfu parades, will continue to be featured.
Specially designed dragon-shaped accessories featuring sailboat-shaped butterfly orchid bonsai. (Photo by Liang Yu)
Tianhe District will hold a simultaneous flower market carnival featuring the exhibition of intangible cultural heritage and creative cultural projects, as well as literary and artistic performances. Additionally, rare and precious flowers from the South China National Botanical Garden will make their first appearance at the Tianhe Spring Festival Flower Market.
Panyu District will highlight the characteristics of Water Town and the local traditional culture. They will invite inheritors of traditional dragon boat craftsmanship to display their works and arrange activities such as lion dances, lucky bag giveaways, and live calligraphy demonstrations.
Imported flowers are also highly sought after in the Lingnan Flower Market. (Photo by Chen Qiuming)
Huadu District will further enrich the cultural connotation of "Flower Street" by focusing on local traditional folk culture and the latest national trends.
Zengcheng District will organize a Hanfu parade, as well as traditional folk performances such as dragon dances and flying phoenixes.
The upcoming Spring Festival flower markets will not only embrace traditional activities but also incorporate futuristic technology. For instance, in Baiyun District, a dragon-shaped aircraft will soar through the sky over the main venue at Wanda Plaza, accompanied by mesmerizing lighting and music. This will provide a stunning visual display for the public to celebrate the New Year. Additionally, Huangpu District's Spring Festival Flower Market will launch an online mini-program that will offer flower market guides, convenient services, interactive Spring Festival activities, and a virtual tour of Huangpu. By doing so, citizens can enjoy a lively Spring Festival atmosphere even online.
Source | Yangcheng Evening News
