Recently, the 4th Chongming Narcissus Cultural Tourism Festival and the 32nd Shanghai "Xianghua Cup" Narcissus Sculpture Exhibition jointly opened in Xianghua Town. The event featured diverse activities such as intangible cultural heritage displays of narcissus floral art and sculpture exhibitions, showcasing the unique charm of Chongming narcissus and painting a vivid picture of rural revitalization driven by distinctive agriculture.

At the opening ceremony, a series of captivating cultural performances took the stage. A narcissus-themed Hanfu fashion show displayed classical elegance, with performers in traditional attire moving gracefully to melodious music, skillfully blending the gentleness of narcissus with the charm of Hanfu. The melodious tunes of Jiangnan string and pipe music were performed alongside heartfelt poetry recitations, creating a feast of sound and poetry for the audience and fostering a unique cultural atmosphere that intertwined classical and modern elements.

During the event, the Chongming Narcissus Quality Standards were released. The introduction of these standards marks a new phase of standardized and quality-driven development for the Chongming narcissus industry, laying a solid foundation for its high-quality growth. It was reported that Xianghua Town in Chongming District is systematically promoting the intelligent and high-value development of the narcissus industry. Efforts include expanding the market through e-commerce livestreaming and community marketing, as well as developing derivatives such as fragrances, cultural and creative dolls, and exquisite ornaments to extend the industrial chain. This transforms narcissus from a traditional Lunar New Year flower into a cultural symbol that can be appreciated year-round and experienced in depth.

At the narcissus carving site, the rich fragrance of narcissus filled the air, captivating all who were present. Originally plain narcissus bulbs were transformed into diverse artistic treasures through the exquisite craftsmanship of artisans. Some took the form of cranes poised for flight; others stood gracefully like elegant egrets; still others were sculpted into auspicious flower baskets or delicate golden cups... Through the artisans’ careful guidance of the growth direction of the roots, stems, and leaves, each narcissus bulb became a perfect fusion of natural texture and artistic creativity, forming a unique design. The exquisite narcissus floral art attracted many visitors, who took out their phones to capture photos, preserving the elegance and fragrance of winter.

As Shanghai’s only floral specialty with a "dual geographical indication," Chongming narcissus carries profound cultural significance. The "Traditional Cultivation Techniques of Chongming Narcissus" have been listed in Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage inventory, with a cultivation history of over 500 years in Chongming. The largest double-petal narcissus base in the country is located in Xianghua Town, where this event was held.

"We are creating more narcissus cultural experiences, hoping to allow Chongming natives returning home during the New Year holiday to gain a deeper understanding of their hometown’s culture," said Lu Qingjia, a member of the Xianghua Town Party Committee’s publicity team.

According to the organizers, the Chongming Narcissus Cultural Tourism Festival will continue to launch a series of featured activities to further invigorate the narcissus industry, promote local cultural heritage, and attract more people to learn about Chongming and visit Xianghua. Using flowers as a medium and festivals as a platform to connect people, the event infuses continuous cultural momentum and economic vitality into rural revitalization.