Blooming into a vibrant urban landscape

Swedish visitor Marcus Stjernborg shares this feeling. "I was truly impressed by the beauty of all the flowers and decorations," he says, admiring the animal-shaped floral arrangements at Qiantan in Pudong.

The festival is also driving Shanghai's economy. Yang Yao of the Shanghai Commerce Commission explains that the flower festival plays a significant role in Shanghai's development as an international consumption center.

"Throughout the festival, we're using flowers as a connecting element to elevate commercial spaces, allowing residents and visitors alike to better experience the charm of Shanghai as an international consumption destination," Yang says.

The festival features themed commercial districts with nearly 50 large commercial complexes participating, creating more than 100 spring-themed display windows. Additionally, over 50 special events, including floral-themed music markets, are taking place across various commercial districts.

Liu Wei, assistant general manager of Shui On Xintiandi, describes how they've transformed the entire community into a city garden reception room where visitors can wander, linger, and shop.

"With 40 merchants creating urban flower windows and 45 brands launching flower-themed products, we've created a unique shopping experience around the festival," he adds.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Shanghai-Yunnan cooperation, a relationship further strengthened by the festival. The initiative connects Yunnan flower producers directly with Shanghai consumers while helping transform Shanghai from a consumption hub into a major distribution center.

Tourists can navigate the festivities via three flower-themed routes that combine exhibitions, shopping, dining, and accommodation. Sports activities include cycling events, forest half-marathons and garden yoga sessions.

The festival also focuses on residents' participation with community garden initiatives, plant appreciation events, family gardening activities, and natural education workshops.

Lyu Zhihua, director of Wanhua (Shanghai) City Management Co, the festival's operating company, emphasizes the long-term vision.

"We're not simply organizing a 23-day event but establishing a sustainable framework," he says. "We'll preserve exceptional installations, introduce mini gardens into communities, and promote superior plant varieties.

"Our goal is to make gardening a regular part of citizens' consumption habits and lifestyles," Lyu adds. "Whether growing flowers at home, appreciating them in parks, or enjoying flower culture in commercial districts, residents and visitors can experience the urban magnetic pull brought by the Shanghai International Flower Show."

He Qi and Li Junfeng contributed to this story.