The third Shanghai Bay Area Peony Festival is taking place from April 3 to May 5 at Langxia Country Park in Jinshan district, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a stunning display of peonies while enjoying a variety of themed activities that blend nature, culture, and art.

This year's festival will showcase peonies in nine vibrant color categories, including white, pink, yellow, and rare black ones.

The park features several themed viewing areas, such as Black Elegance, Majestic Landscape, Snow White, Flying Swallow, and Century-Old Peonies.

With over 80,000 peony plants from 26 varieties, the festival offers visitors visual spectacles and a perfect setting for a spring countryside outing.

'Hanfu' (traditional Chinese attire) experience

To celebrate traditional Chinese culture, the festival offers free entry to visitors dressed in hanfu, encouraging them to stroll through the peony garden in elegant historical attire, as part of an interactive, immersive experience.

Peony art showcase

The festival also features a unique peony art exhibition exploring ancient, modern, and futuristic interpretations of peony art. Highlights include exhibitions of historic peony paintings, live painting demonstrations by Jinshan folk artists, and contemporary artistic extensions inspired by the iconic flower.

Peony photography contest

Photography enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in a peony photography contest, capturing the elegance of peonies and their deep cultural significance.

1. Documentary and creative photography. Images focused on peonies and related elements within the peony garden, adhering to the principles of clear themes, unique styles, and diverse formats. Entries should reflect the peony's role in art, industry, and culture, while also showcasing the expertise of those involved.

2. Festival highlights. Photographs featuring vibrant festival scenes, including the bustling peony market, captivating performances, scenic garden tours, and memorable parent-child interactions.

Must-visit art installations

The festival also features spectacular art installations, offering perfect spots for both up-close interactions and scenic photography, including:

• Windmill art displays
• Floral green sculptures
• Scarecrow kingdom

Peony market: A taste of spring

At the plaza snack market, visitors can indulge in seasonal fruits, local street food, and unique cultural souvenirs. Peony-themed products, such as peony tea, potted peonies, peony oil, and peony-rooted plants, will also be available for purchase.

Family-friendly activities

For families with children, the festival promises fun-filled experiences, including water activities, peony sketching sessions, and interactive play zones, ensuring an entertaining outing for visitors of all ages.

Event details

• Limited-time early bird tickets: Special discounted tickets are available exclusively on Douyin.
• Tickets allow for two entries during the festival period. Visitors who wish to return can keep their ticket stubs and revisit the festival on another date.
• Free admission for special groups

The festival offers free entry for the following groups (valid ID required where applicable):

• Seniors aged 70 and above
• Children under 1.2 meters in height
• Individuals with disabilities
• Military personnel
• Professional photographers (with credentials)
• Visitors wearing hanfu

Source: Jinshan district government