The 2026 Shanghai chrysanthemum exhibition opened on Oct 24, featuring a main venue and six branch venues across the city.

Running through Nov 29, the monthlong festival centers on the main exhibition at Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park in Yangpu district, while the six branch venues — in Huangpu, Jing'an, Putuo, Minhang, Songjiang, and Qingpu districts — offer locally themed cultural displays and interactive activities.

Marking the exhibition's 40th anniversary, Gongqing Forest Park is showcasing more than 600 chrysanthemum varieties, including national award-winning cultivars and Shanghai-style floral arrangements.

The main venue is divided into three themed zones — Jiaju Lansheng (Spectacular Chrysanthemum Display), Yizhan Fanghua (Floral Art in Full Bloom), and Qunying Huicui (Elite Works of Art) — combining traditional floral art, waterscape displays, and riverside forest scenery.

To boost visitor engagement, the venue is introducing an interactive live-action script game featuring live performers and puzzle-solving activities, turning traditional floral viewing into an immersive theatrical experience.

Throughout the festival, a wide range of fringe activities will be offered citywide, including pop-up cultural markets, stamp-collecting city walks, nature journaling experiences, and parent-child educational workshops.

Branch venues highlights

Fuxing Park, Huangpu

Features ring-shaped swing installations integrated with chrysanthemum floral art, creating a dreamlike, immersive atmosphere.

Suhewan Central Green Space, Jing'an

Showcases an autumn-themed display centered on the "Scruffy Puppy" sculpture, covered in chrysanthemums and paired with renowned traditional chrysanthemum varieties.

Yichuan Park, Putuo

Combines traditional floral arrangements with interactive technology such as voice-interactive AI robots and glasses-free 3D lighting.

Fanghe Valley Flower Farm, Minhang

Blends traditional outdoor Chinese-style garden tours with indoor floral displays, set against backdrops inspired by traditional Chinese-style study and game-room settings.

Zuibaichi Park, Songjiang

Displays more than 11,000 pots of chrysanthemums across classical Jiangnan garden architecture, pavilions, and stone bridges.

Qushui Garden, Qingpu

Integrates floral boats and chrysanthemum paths into classic garden layouts, contrasting vibrant blooms with white walls and historic buildings.

If you go

Admission: Free at the main venue. Fees may apply at some branch venues.

Note: Opening hours vary by venue. Some workshops require reservations.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Agriculture and Rural Affairs