Century-old Chrysanthemum Charm Enfolds Chengdu
As autumn wind sweeps over the gray tiles of Citang Street, the fragrance of chrysanthemums in Chengdu People's Park has quietly drifted beyond the bamboo fences. The 59th Chrysanthemum Exhibition themed "Century-old Chrysanthemum Charm Enfolds Chengdu" is in its prime. This floral event, which has lasted for nearly 70 years, is no longer just a simple exhibition, but an autumn ritual deeply rooted in the hearts of Chengdu locals. From over 100 chrysanthemum varieties at the first exhibition in 1953 to the stunning appearance of 7 themed landscapes such as "Chengdu-Chongqing Shine Together" and "City of the Future" today, this place holds the most touching autumn code of the Shu region.
Chrysanthemums in Chengdu never make people wait anxiously. They bloom in three batches (early, middle and late), bringing new surprises every day in October:
Late September - Early October · Early Chrysanthemums First Bloom: "Green Cloud" in the "Chrysanthemum Fragrance Fills the Garden" exhibition area at the east gate takes the lead. Its jade-like petals are covered with morning dew, like green clouds cut from Shu brocade. Enter the park before 8:30 a.m. to enjoy the spectacular scene of the flower sea with no crowds and the morning light together.
Mid-October · Middle Chrysanthemums in Full Bloom: "Phoenix Spreading Its Plumage" beside the main road is the highlight. Its petals change color with the sunlight - glowing with golden and red hues at noon, and showing soft pink radiance in the evening. Against the "gray tiles and gray walls" background wall, it is just like a flowing traditional Chinese painting.
Late October · Late Chrysanthemums as the Grand Finale: 30 of the rarest "Black Chrysanthemums" in the whole park are on display in the Bonsai Garden. Their dark purple petals glow with dim light, exactly like the artistic conception of "ink-stained autumn waves" described by ancient poets. Matched with the precious orchids presented by Marshal Zhu De, they are full of elegant charm.
Enter from the east gate → "Chrysanthemum Fragrance Fills the Garden" (take photos of early chrysanthemums) → Central Square (watch themed landscapes + flower arrangement performances) → Heming Teahouse (take a break and taste tea) → Bonsai Garden (admire black chrysanthemums) → Exit from the north gate (visit the blind date corner). The whole journey takes 2 hours, combining beautiful scenery and local 市井 vibe.
Taste Tea with Chrysanthemum Flavor in Teahouse: Heming Teahouse has launched the limited "Chrysanthemum-scented Jasmine Tea". Pair it with a portion of brown sugar glutinous rice cake, watch the tea art performance of the long-spouted teapot master with smooth movements, and listen to the old tea drinkers talk about the ancient story of "Autumn Fragrance of Chrysanthemum Well" - the Shu king in the Ming Dynasty once composed poems beside the chrysanthemum well in the royal mansion, and the fragrance has lingered for 600 years now.
Learn Flower Cultivation Secrets: Don't miss the weekend chrysanthemum cultivation lectures. The horticultural masters will reveal the secrets of moisturizing "Green Cloud" and controlling the temperature for "Black Chrysanthemums". Take a breeding manual with you to bring the autumn charm of Rongcheng (Chengdu) home.
Ear Cleaning While Enjoying Autumn: The ear-cleaning masters beside the teahouse have skilled techniques. The 30-yuan "little comfort" (ear cleaning service) makes you feel numb to the bones with the chrysanthemum fragrance - this is the ultimate comfort in Chengdu.