THE 33rd Spring Festival flower fair at Aiguo Road in Luohu District opened Sunday and will end tomorrow, the Lunar New Year’s Eve. Although orders from the government and State-owned companies have decreased sharply this year, due to the frugality policies imposed by the Central Government, the market still saw promising purchases among citizens who couldn’t resist their desire to decorate their homes with flowers and plants which are believed to bring freshness and good luck. Placing plants at home as the Lunar New Year draws near has become a custom in certain areas in China, especially in Guangdong Province. Blooming flowers with lucky omens and reasonable prices are extremely popular. This year, fairgoers may find new species that have been introduced to the city. For example, “Buddha’s Hand,” a fragrant citron variety whose fruit is segmented into finger-like sections, can be purchased at the fair. Citizens can take Metro Huanzhong Line to Yijing Station, and exit at Exit A or travel on Longgang Line and exit at Cuizhu Station, Exit B. (Luo Songsong) |