On October 19, in Kaifeng, a city steeped in history and culture, the 42nd Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival kicked off with the theme “Song Dynasty Charm, Fragrance of Chrysanthemums in China.” The relationship between Kaifeng and chrysanthemums dates back centuries. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Liu Meng penned the first “Chrysanthemum Compendium” in Kaifeng, coinciding with the city’s early kites for the Double Ninth Festival, marking one of China’s first chrysanthemum celebrations.
This year, the festival showcases a stunning display of 2.78 million chrysanthemum pots, attracting nearly 100 million visitors from around the world. As I walked through Kaifeng, I witnessed flocks of tourists indulging in what can be described as a “Chrysanthemum Wonderland.”
At the Longting Scenic Area, thousands of chrysanthemum pots bloom amidst the magnificent garden of the former Northern Song imperial palace. Visitors can experience the rich grandeur of Song court life, enhanced by the fragrance of the flowers. Throughout the festival, competitions such as the “Chinese Chrysanthemum King Contest” and the “Chrysanthemum Fighting Contest” will take place.
The lively scenes of Kaifeng, reminiscent of the famous “Along the River During the Qingming Festival,” are now brought to life at the 13th International Chrysanthemum Exhibition. Here, over 800 varieties of chrysanthemums from 12 countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, France, and Germany, are on display, adding an international flair to the event.
German tourist Janusz Haka shared his enthusiasm, “I really appreciate the shapes and color combinations of the chrysanthemums here, as well as the traditional clothing some visitors are wearing.” Having visited Henan for work multiple times, he remarked, “This is my first time in Kaifeng. The recent implementation of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has made it easy for us to travel to China for business and leisure. I plan to explore Henan more in the future.”
Entering the Chinese Han Garden Stone Forest, the 13th “Han Garden Love” Chrysanthemum Flower Arrangement Exhibition is in full swing, featuring nearly 50 large floral displays, 12 landscape arrangements, and over 100 small indoor arrangements that embody an artistic flair. Tourists like Ms. Zhang from Hubei, a flower arrangement enthusiast, expressed her delight: “These arrangements beautifully blend natural beauty with cultural richness, showcasing the elegance and unique cultural essence of the Song Dynasty.”
Across various display locations, the local chrysanthemums beautifully complement their surroundings. From the martial arts theme at Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City to the patriotic vibes at Tianbo Yang’s residence, and the Zen atmosphere at the Kaifeng Iron Pagoda, each location offers unique experiences that capture the attention of visitors.
As Kaifeng’s Party Secretary Gao Jianjun noted, since 1983, the city has successfully hosted 41 editions of the Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival, receiving widespread attention and support from all sectors of society. He stated that this year, through a series of cultural, economic, and floral activities, Kaifeng aims to let everyone fully appreciate the charm of this ancient city.
“Kaifeng’s chrysanthemums are unmatched in the world,” he added, emphasizing the flower’s role in narrating the city’s illustrious history and rich culture. The chrysanthemum has become a vital symbol in promoting the cultural prosperity of Kaifeng.
Organized by the Henan Provincial Government, this year’s Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival will run from October 18 to November 18, featuring 600 immersive performances to welcome visitors from around the globe to experience the allure of “China’s Chrysanthemum City.”
