Ancient festival back in bloom after centuries in the shadows

On the same day, in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province in Northwest China, a themed event showcased the appeal of Tang Dynasty customs and lifestyles at an immersive tourist experience zone. The event included a Huazhao-themed market, flora sightseeing and a vehicle parade featuring performers dressed as flower goddesses.

On March 11, the festival opened at Yuntai Mountain scenic area in Jiaozuo, Henan province. Performers dressed in hanfu staged ancient-style dances and played the fou, an ancient musical instrument. The celebrations will last until early April, with a variety of hanfu-themed activities lined up for each week, including a wedding performance and an ancient rites-accompanied music exhibition and performance.

On March 18, Huazhao celebrations were held at a scenic site in Kunming, Yunnan province in Southwest China. Among the highlights were Yunnan flora culture, traditional Chinese clothing and local customs.

The same day also witnessed the opening of the festival in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, which recreated the pomp and ceremony in celebration of the festival, such as welcoming the flower goddesses and wearing flowers in people's hair.

On March 19, Nanning Garden Expo Park in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region hosted its second annual Huazhao Festival.

The event reached a climax when 12 flower goddesses, each representing a month of the year, arrived on-site. Concurrently, the festival opened in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, with hanfu enthusiasts on parade.

On March 23, Huazhao celebrations started at Dongping National Forest Park in Shanghai, where more than 2.5 million flowering plants in over 600 varieties are on display across its exhibition areas.