Shine | 23-Jun-2020 | By Yang Jian
Yang Yuhuan (719-756), one of the four great beauties of ancient China, for instance, is deemed the goddess of the apricot flower which blooms in February, while Xi Shi, another beauty, is the goddess of lotus for June. Famous poets such as Li Bai (701-762), Bai Juyi (772-846) and Tao Yuanming (365-427) are also listed as gods of flowers in some versions due to their popular poems about flowers.
Chinoiserie performances will be held every day during the holiday. They include a warrior show with soldiers wearing armor, dancers in traditional hanfu clothing and concerts featuring traditional instruments on the iconic Zigzag Bridge or a small boat on the lake.
Security guards at the malls will be wearing the costumes of Ming Dynasty guards. Visitors are invited to experience traditional lifestyles during the Dragon Boat Festival, such as tasting zongzi, the traditional glutinous rice dumplings, and making perfume sachets to ward off evil spirits. Yuyuan Garden Malls launched its nightlife events in September last year, featuring lanterns, markets and shows to attract local citizens to the iconic landmark which is a magnet for tourists from outside Shanghai and abroad.
Over 2.17 million people have visited the malls since the city launched the Double Five Shopping Festival in May, said Hu Junjie, assistant president of Yuyuan Inc, operator of the malls.
More fascinating tales from China: Yuyuan Garden Malls heading back in time – Shanghai