[Photo/Shanghai Observer]

The 2024 Shanghai International Flower Show will take place from April 18 to May 22, boasting an unprecedented exhibition area of over 100 hectares, confirmed by the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau.

Diverging from previous editions, this year's exhibition will encompass three primary venues: the Shanghai Botanical Garden, the waterfront of Huangpu River in Xuhui district, and the Lin-gang Special Area. Additionally, it will feature six sub-venues and more than 10 city-themed spots.

The chosen theme flower for this year is the rosa chinensis, commonly known as the China rose. It is a rose species native to Southwest China's Guizhou, Hubei, and Sichuan provinces. Capable of repeat flowering, it is one of China's top 10 famous flowers. In Chinese culture, this flower symbolizes happiness, longevity, and auspiciousness, and has evolved into a modern symbol of peace. The exhibition will proudly display over 500 varieties of the China rose.

Yan Wei, the director of the Shanghai Botanical Garden, emphasized the selection of China rose as this year's theme flower, citing its rich cultural heritage, widespread recognition, and environmental friendliness. Yan noted the flower's low maintenance requirements and robust stress resistance, enabling it to bloom for decades.

Source: Shanghai Observer