Shanghai kicked off a month-long citywide greening campaign at Minhang Cultural Park on March 16, with a ceremony that also marked the launch of cultural activities revolving around the white magnolia, the city's official flower.

From March 16 to April 15, more than 40 nature-inspired greening events will take place throughout the city, according to the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau.

By the end of 2025, a total of 68 white magnolia-related projects, including botanical gardens, featured roads, and prime viewing spots, are slated for completion.

Shanghai also aims to complete the "1+20+30+100" initiative by the end of 2026, creating popular scenic landmarks in key and high-visibility areas while integrating the iconic white magnolia into the city's streetscape beyond traditional parks.

The plan includes the construction of Shanghai Magnolia Cultural Park, possibly in Xuhui district, as noted by the bureau.

It also calls for the development or renovation of 20 gardens featuring magnolia species, the addition of 30 Magnolia-themed roads, and the establishment of 100 new planting and viewing sites.

Discover the best spots to view magnolia flowers in Shanghai

→ Best spots to view magnolia flowers

The white magnolia: Shanghai's floral emblem

The white magnolia, renowned for its pure white petals and strong fragrance, blooms for just two weeks each year.

It was officially designated as Shanghai’s city flower by the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress in 1986.

Its early bloom symbolizes the city's pioneering spirit and resilience.

Shanghai is home to a diverse array of species from the Magnoliaceae family, including:

• White magnolia: Featuring large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in early Spring, reaching heights of up to 15 meters.
• Biond's magnolia: Known for its smaller white flowers, with buds that have medicinal properties and valued for early flowering in late winter.
• Saucer magnolia: A hybrid magnolia with large, saucer-shaped flowers in pink, purple, or white hues.
• Lily magnolia: Native to China, this species showcases deep purple or pink, lily-shaped flowers, which were held in high regard in ancient China.
• Magnolia "hongyun": A cultivar of saucer magnolia with reddish-pink flowers symbolizing good fortune, blooming three times a year.
• Magnolia "feihuang": Featuring yellowish petals, which are scarce in number.
• Star magnolia: Originating from Japan, it features star-shaped white or pink flowers known for blooming early and in abundance.

Source: Shanghai Observer