Shine | 23-Jun-2020 | By Yang Jian
With the Dragon Boat Festival arriving on Thursday, residents and tourists are invited to experience the Chinoiserie and traditional Chinese culture at the Yuyuan Garden Malls.
Dining and shopping facilities near the historic garden, which originated from a prosperous market of the City God Temple some 140 years ago, will launch its first immersive Chinese culture temple fair to promote traditional art and skills. Themed on the “Gods and Goddess of Flowers” who became popular in the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) through the famous Yangliuqing New Year Painting, the temple fair will be held during the holiday from Thursday and Saturday.
Time-honored eateries and brands in Yuyuan, including the Laomiao Gold & Jewelry and Lu Bo Lang Restaurant, will offer discounts to attract customers to help the economy after the novel coronavirus outbreak. The Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture at the malls have been decorated with flowers and illuminated by traditional lanterns at night. The bazaars with many small carts selling and exhibiting handicraft artworks have also been redesigned with colorful petals and twigs.
In traditional Chinese culture, famous historical figures and literary giants are ennobled as gods or goddess of a certain flower. There are a dozen gods and goddess for the 12 lunar months, but the figures vary in different times and regions.
More fascinating tales from China: Experience tradition at Yuyuan Garden Malls (2)