Celebrating Huazhao Festival in Shanghai
March 11 is the date for this year's Huazhao Festival, a traditional flower festival in China. Read the following passage to learn about the related customs and festivities in Shanghai.
Culture A to Z
The Huazhao Festival celebrates the birthday of the flower goddess through various customs and traditions.
When to celebrate
The timing of the festival historically varied across different regions and dynasties. In early China, the Huazhao Festival was celebrated on the 12th or 15th day of the second month of the Chinese calendar. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and later, the festival was typically observed on the 15th day in the northern regions, while in the south, it was celebrated on the 12th day, reflecting regional climate differences. In Southwest China, locals celebrated the festival on the second day of the second month of the Chinese calendar.
Traditional customs
- Praying to the flower goddess and offering sacrifices for good luck and prosperity.
- Going on early spring outings to appreciate the floral beauty of the season.
- Fastening strips of red cloth to flower stems as a protective measure.
- Planting flowers and vegetables believed to thrive when planted during the festival.
- Picking wild vegetables for their freshness and health benefits.
- Inserting flowers in one's hair for aesthetic purposes, a tradition dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Hosting and attending banquets featuring flower wine made from various petals.
- Visiting fairs, especially flower fairs, for discount shopping, dancing, music, games and more.
Traditions in Shanghai
In Shanghai, there are many traditions associated with the Huazhao Festival, including the Chenxiang Pavilion near the City God Temple, which used to be a lively temple dedicated to the flower goddess.
The Qing Dynasty poet Qin Rongguang wrote: "The flower goddess is celebrated on the 12th day of the month, and Guanyin Buddha's birthday on the 19th. We make plans to visit Chenxiang Pavilion together, with peach blossom fans and new apricot silk garments."
There is also a Shanghai farming proverb that goes: "Bright moon during the Huazhao, cotton looks like silver." This is because Shanghai has historically been a hub for the cotton industry in China, and hua here refers to cotton. During the Huazhao Festival, cotton farmers worship the flower goddess to pray for a bountiful cotton harvest.
Furthermore, Shanghai's flower goddess-themed lanterns are a unique sight on the night of the Huazhao. These lanterns are typically made from semi-transparent oil paper produced locally that can be used as umbrella covers. They are often in the shape of umbrellas or hexagons, with intricate carvings of figures, flowers, and exotic birds and beasts.
Jing'an Huazhao Festival
The Jing'an Huazhao Festival will be held from March 8 to 30. It offers traditional cultural celebrations, themed weeks, various activities, and discounts and special offers in the Daning Commercial Area — including Daning Music Plaza, Jiuguang Centre, Daning International Business Plaza, and IMIX Park.
For the first time ever, the Jing'an Huazhao Festival is offering interactive experiences involving trying on traditional Chinese clothing, makeup, and photography.
Visitors can don traditional Chinese outfits like hanfu and Tang suits and stroll alongside 12 flower goddesses in beautiful attire.
The festival has been enhanced with three main themed weeks: Goddess Week, Sports Week, and Matchmaking Week, to enhance the diversity of activities.
Goddess Week (March 8 - March 14)
Activities during this period include a parade of the 12 flower goddesses, interactive performances, intangible cultural heritage markets, traditional craft activities, and more. The Dianping Must-Eat Carnival will feature a variety of cultural items and exhibitions.
Sports Week (March 15 - March 21)
The 2025 Shanghai Jing'an Half Marathon will kick off on March 16, combining with the festival to offer participants a unique blend of sports and aesthetic beauty.
Matchmaking Week (March 22 - March 30)
Focusing on people's marriage and dating needs, this event includes a collective wedding ceremony and various matchmaking activities, offering romantic photo spots and new consumption experiences.
During the event, various commercial activities will be held at locations such as Daning Music Plaza and Jiuguang Centre. These activities will provide discounts and benefits such as consumption vouchers and lucky bags, allowing visitors to enjoy nature, culture, and commerce all in one place.
Sources: Xiao Mingliang, Daning Park, WeChat account of Jing'an district media center at "jaxwzx", chinadaily.com.cn, VCG, WeChat account of Huangpu district administration of culture and tourism, WeChat account of Baoshan district administration of culture and tourism, Jing'an district government
