By hannover-web.com On October 18, the 42nd Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival kicked off in Kaifeng, China, under the theme “Song Dynasty Rhythm in Kaifeng, Aroma of Chrysanthemums in China.”
Historically known as Bianliang, Kaifeng is renowned as the “Chrysanthemum Capital of China.” Over its 41-year history, the Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival has become a vibrant emblem for Henan Province, showcasing its culture to the world and attracting nearly 100 million domestic and international visitors each year. The city has gained a reputation for its dazzling chrysanthemums, famously referred to as having the best chrysanthemums in the country.
During the opening ceremony, Ga Jianshun, the Secretary of the Kaifeng Municipal Committee, highlighted the festival’s success since its inception in 1983, with 41 editions celebrating the beauty of chrysanthemums. He emphasized the festival’s role in fostering connections among various sectors of society and inviting visitors from around the globe to experience the charm of this ancient city.
This year’s festival features an impressive display of 2.78 million pots of chrysanthemums, including supporting flowers, with 1.2 million pots showcased at the main venues and 1.58 million pots throughout the public spaces—an increase of 380,000 pots compared to last year. Through this cultural festival, Kaifeng aims to further establish itself as an “International Cultural Tourism City” and a “World Historical Cultural Capital,” inviting visitors to enjoy the unique autumn scenery and the rich fragrance of the local chrysanthemums.
The event includes 13 main activities divided into two primary categories: cultural and floral events. On the cultural side, Kaifeng has embraced an innovative “Tourism+” approach, introducing immersive experiences like the open-air Song Dynasty street parade. Moreover, in collaboration with the Poetry Publishing House, the festival will feature a youth poetry event focused on topics relevant to young people, culminating in a published collection celebrating chrysanthemum-themed poetry.
In addition, interactive online activities such as “Exploring Tokyo at Night: Enjoying the Song Trends” blend knowledge and fun, inviting participants to engage with the city’s vibrant nightlife. To enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors, Kaifeng has also introduced eight new tour routes centered around famous sites, chrysanthemum appreciation, and inbound tourism.
In terms of floral events, the festival’s 13th International Chrysanthemum Display features exquisite blooms from over 800 varieties across 15 countries, transforming the Qingming Riverside Garden into an elegant international celebration. Artistic gatherings like the 13th Hanyuan Chrysanthemum Arrangement Exhibition aim to deepen artistic appreciation and integrate culture into everyday life. Additionally, a national showcase for master chrysanthemum cultivators will take place at the Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng, highlighting China’s exceptional chrysanthemum cultivation skills. Kaifeng has also partnered with Nanjing Agricultural University and Beijing Beihai Park for a joint chrysanthemum exhibition at Longting Park, further promoting cultural exchange.
The 42nd Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival is organized by the Henan Provincial Government in collaboration with the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture, Henan Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the Kaifeng Municipal Government.
