Flowers bloom along the shore whereas fragrant petals drift upon the boats. On the morning of February 6th, the 14th “Litchi Bay – New Xiguan” folk culture event titled “A Floral Fantasia Blooms in Liwan for the Year of the Dragon – Guangzhou Floating Flower Market 2024” officially opened at the Liwan Lake, with “Xiguan ladies” dressed in cheongsam boarded twelve decorated flower boats cruising on the lake, crowds of people gathered on the shore to admire and purchase flowers, bringing the unique Lingnan-style “waterway of flowers” and festive new year vibe.
This event carries forward and promotes Lingnan culture featuring the integration of culture and tourism, enhancing the influence of the “Guangzhou Floating Flower Market” and kicking off the 14th “Litchi Bay – New Xiguan” folk culture events.
Ancient, Fresh and Renewed | Millennium Flower Market Blossoms with New Vitality
The centuries-old tradition of Cantonese people’s love for flowers and their penchant for purchasing them has deep roots. One notable aspect of this tradition was the renowned “Flower Ferry”, a unique floating flower market that was documented by the esteemed Guangdong scholar Qu Dajun in his book Guangdong Xinyu (New Words of Guangdong) during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Qu Dajun vividly described this phenomenon, stating that the Flower Ferry was situated in Guangzhou, specifically on the southern bank of Wuyang Gate. It was from this location that flower vendors in Guangzhou would transport their vibrant blooms to the city by boat, hence the name “Flower Ferry”. The current iteration of the floating flower market exemplifies a novel approach, combining multiple elements such as historical reenactments, horticultural flower exhibitions, artistic encounters, photo opportunities, and interactive water features. This innovative blend of attractions creates an atmosphere of joy and celebration, infusing the surroundings with liveliness and vibrancy.
In recent years, the reestablishment of the captivating “floating flower market”, the only one of its kind in all of China, by Liwan in 2011 has swiftly gained popularity. Visiting the flower market in Liwan has become a new focal point for celebrating the Chinese New Year and admiring the beauty of flowers in Guangzhou. By adopting the new model of “one event + multiple integrations + innovative inheritance”, this year’s floating flower market in Liwan has played a pivotal role in promoting the high-quality development of various sectors including culture, business, and tourism in the region. It breathes new life into the millennium-old flower market, injecting it with fresh vitality and ensuring its continued significance in the present day.
Exciting and Diverse | Gathering the Festive Atmosphere of the New Year
The floating flower market commenced at 10 o’clock in the morning, accompanied by spirited and time-honored folk performances like dragon and lion dances. The ambiance was filled with energy, attracting numerous attendees who brought their children to immerse themselves in the vibrant festive atmosphere.
Ms. Chen conveyed her enthusiasm, stating that this year’s floating flower market exudes a strong New Year’s aura, adorned with unique Cantonese folk traditions and the distinct local characteristics of Liwan. These activities serve as an excellent opportunity for children and visitors from other regions to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of Liwan and develop a fondness for this remarkable place.
This year’s Guangzhou floating flower market offers a multitude of exciting highlights to captivate visitors. One such highlight is the presence of esteemed Cantonese opera artists hailing from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, who grace the stage with their exceptional performances. Additionally, talented calligraphy and painting masters collaborate to create a magnificent 4-meter-long artwork depicting a dragon. These stunning displays of artistic prowess are just some of the many attractions that await attendees. The event also features the promotion of Wengyuan orchids, cultural salons dedicated to Chinese painting and calligraphy, citywalk salons, captivating Cantonese-style flower arrangement performances, and a modern Chinese fashion show showcasing the elegance of Xiguan ladies and orchids.
The Chinese New Year holds great significance for families dispersed across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, as it provides an opportunity for them to reunite with their loved ones. The people residing in these regions are bonded by the Pearl River and possess a common cultural heritage rooted in Guangdong. They are bound together by linguistic similarities, customs, and traditions, giving rise to a shared Lingnan cultural identity. At the floating flower market, artists from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, including Cantonese opera performers, calligraphy and painting masters, and intangible cultural heritage inheritors, come together to deliver a splendid performance that showcases their cultural confidence and integration. This gathering serves as a beautiful testament to the reunification of the people in the Greater Bay Area, highlighting the rich heritage and cultural unity that exists among them.
Old Streets with a New Vibe | Experience the Charm of Xiguan through Citywalk
As one leisurely strolls through the streets and alleyways of Xiguan, the picturesque scene unfolds with gray walls, black tiles, and an abundance of verdant greenery. The air is filled with the soothing sounds of casual conversations between neighbors, harmonizing with the delightful chorus of chirping birds. It is in these charming streets and alleyways, adorned with grand old houses, that one can truly sense the warmth and genuine human connection that permeates the atmosphere. Taking a leisurely walk through the city during the Chinese New Year is a cherished tradition, allowing individuals to witness firsthand the transformations brought about by neighborhood revitalization and urban renewal.
As one leisurely strolls through the streets and alleyways of Xiguan, the picturesque scene unfolds with gray walls, black tiles, and an abundance of verdant greenery. The air is filled with the soothing sounds of casual conversations between neighbors, harmonizing with the delightful chorus of chirping birds. It is in these charming streets and alleyways, adorned with grand old houses, that one can truly sense the warmth and genuine human connection that permeates the atmosphere. Taking a leisurely walk through the city during the Chinese New Year is a cherished tradition, allowing individuals to witness firsthand the transformations brought about by neighborhood revitalization and urban renewal.
On the day of the event, the esteemed TV presenter Zheng Da from Guangdong Radio and Television, along with other hosts, Cantonese opera performers, and calligraphy and painting masters, wholeheartedly engaged in the Liwan Citywalk experience. After a captivating flag presentation ceremony to inaugurate the first group, they embarked on a guided tour to explore the alluring charm of Xiguan and its surrounding areas.
It has been revealed that the initial batch of Liwan Citywalk themed routes offers four options: boat tours, dedicated bus routes, walking routes along Litchi Bay, and walking routes along Longjin West Road. These thoughtfully designed routes aim to provide both local residents and visiting tourists with a comprehensive guide to explore the cultural richness of Liwan. The Liwan District Center for the Integrated Development of Culture and Tourism has delved deep into the distinctive cultural and tourism resources of Liwan, meticulously connecting renowned tourist attractions, museums, unique neighborhoods, and cultural and creative parks. This initiative seeks to encourage visitors to engage in in-depth exploration of the city, allowing them to intimately experience the local customs and offering a wide range of travel options.
The event reached its climax with the lively performance of popular Cantonese songs by Nanfang-Ashu, a band from Guangzhou, creating a joyous and festive atmosphere. The Guangzhou Floating Flower Market 2024 serves as a glimpse into the vast array of folk cultural activities taking place in “Litchi Bay – New Xiguan”. This event highlights the continuous preservation of Liwan’s cultural heritage, its inclusive cultural atmosphere, and its vibrant commercial development. The fusion and collision of old and new cultures inject new vitality into the old town, with trendy shops lining the streets, the delightful fragrance of flowers emanating from the boats, and the enchanting melodies of Cantonese opera filling the air.
Guangzhou Travel 