"Not visiting the flower market, doesn't count as celebrating the New Year." In Guangdong, it has been a tradition for centuries that every family visits the flower market to select their favorite "nianhua" (New Year flowers) ahead of the Spring Festival. For Tim Ramak, an Australian "Guangdong son-in-law," the culture and customs behind "nianhua" were only recently learned during a recent episode of a program.
What distinguishes China's "nianhua" from the flowers Australians plant in their backyards? And how does the Chinese tradition of buying flowers to greet spring relate to Australians' habit of cleaning their houses and decorating with flowers before the arrival of spring? In the latest episode of "Destination Shenzhen," Tim Ramak, a special correspondent for GDToday, and Crystal, GDToday's reporter, visited the Aiguo Road Spring Festival Flower Market in Luohu District, Shenzhen, to select nianhua and experience the "rich flavor of the New Year" in advance.
It is reported that the Aiguo Road Spring Festival Flower Market is the oldest and most iconic flower market in Shenzhen. Since 1998, Aiguo Road has been the designated venue for every Shenzhen flower market. It carries the Spring Festival memories of countless Shenzhen residents, symbolizing the flavor of the New Year and serving as an emotional intersection. "I really like this flower market. Besides the rich variety of nianhua, there are also many delicacies and New Year goods. You can hear children's laughter everywhere," said Tim Ramak.
Can't tell the difference between leek seedlings and narcissi? Are citrus trees edible, and what do they symbolize? What decorations are used during the New Year, and why are they all red? While strolling through the Spring Festival Flower Market during the program, Tim Ramak and Crystal uncovered the Chinese understanding of "happiness" and New Year wishes. "My Australian parents are also green thumbs and they love flowers like orchids. After this Spring Festival, they will also come to Shenzhen for a trip, and I will take them to understand China's unique nianhua culture," said Tim Ramak.
Reporter | Cai Minling
Video shooting | Tim Ramak, Cai Minling
Video editing | Xie Haoran
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
