Chongqing celebrates wintersweet bloom with floriculture festival

The Beibei district of Chongqing transformed into a floral paradise on January 11, 2026, as the municipality launched its annual cultural festival honoring the region’s iconic wintersweet blossoms. The celebration centered around Suxin village, where the 8th Jingguan Cup Traditional Flower Arrangement Competition showcased the exquisite artistry of Eastern floral design using the fragrant chimonanthus flowers.

The festival represents a significant cultural event for Southwest China, drawing attention to Chongqing’s unique botanical heritage while promoting traditional Chinese floral arts. Participants from across the region demonstrated remarkable skill in creating intricate arrangements that highlighted the delicate beauty and symbolic significance of the wintersweet, which blooms during the coldest months of the year.

This year’s event marked a continuation of Chongqing’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural traditions through floral artistry. The competition not only served as a platform for artistic expression but also as an educational opportunity for visitors to appreciate the deep cultural connections between Chinese society and its natural environment. The festival atmosphere was enhanced by the simultaneous blooming of thousands of wintersweet flowers across the district, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the cultural celebrations.

The event has grown in stature over its eight editions, attracting increased participation and audience engagement each year. Local authorities view the festival as an important vehicle for cultural preservation and tourism development, combining natural beauty with artistic tradition to create a unique experience that celebrates Chongqing’s distinct regional identity.