Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com A PROFUSION of colors, intoxicating fragrances, and breathtaking floral artistry await visitors at the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Flower Show, running from Friday to April 6. This year’s event features lilies and Persian buttercups as its dual-theme flowers, with venues in Futian (Bijiashan Sports Park and UpperHills) and Nanshan (Zhongshan Park and Netherlands Flower Town). A total of 47 meticulously designed gardens will be showcased, offering a floral extravaganza blending art, technology, culture, and nature. The Bijiashan Sports Park venue is divided into four core areas. The Master Garden is crafted by renowned domestic and international designers. The Bay Area Garden blends regional culture with stunning horticultural landscapes. The City Garden offers a multidimensional showcase of Shenzhen’s urban charm and humanistic spirit. The Floral Market is a lively space brimming with vibrant blooms and a festive atmosphere. Among the seven gardens in the Master Garden area is Living Contours, designed by two South African artists. Leon Kluge, one of the designers, described the garden as a fusion of South African designs and Asian influences. The sunny side showcases African-inspired flora, including the iconic yellow-flowered Aloe, while the shady side incorporates Chinese elements like bamboo and a tea set. His collaborator, Tristan Woudberg, emphasized their focus on natural textures and settings. “Maybe we don’t have many colorful flowers, but we emphasize textures — the grasses, the ferns, and all the large-leafed plants. Together, they create different moments in the garden. Color matters, but texture is just as important. It’s what gives you that sense of peace,” Woudberg explained. The duo expressed interest in exploring other gardens at the show, calling it a valuable opportunity to learn new techniques in landscape design. For Woudberg, this marks his first visit to a Shenzhen flower show. He said the most unique thing about this event is the striking contrast between modern architecture and lush gardens. Visitors are advised to enter through the south or west gates of Bijiashan Sports Park or via the UpperHills corridor connected to the park. The Futian site also offers charming mini-gardens and brand gardens. This year’s theme — Century Commitment — pays tribute to the legacy of Nanshan’s Zhongshan Park, which was built in 1925. The Zhongshan Park exhibition embodies Shenzhen’s innovative spirit, featuring collaborations with tech giants, fashion pioneers, and startups — all expressed through the artistry of plants. Meanwhile, curved floral pathways that mimic a serpent in Netherlands Flower Town — a Dutch-style street block reconstructed from Nanshan Flower World — were inspired by the Year of the Snake. The event continues its partnership with UpperHills shopping mall, offering dining, shopping, and floral experiences. The mall will also host the International (Shenzhen) Flower and Tropical Plant Exhibition from Friday to Sunday at its outdoor street area and provide exclusive discounts during the event period. Tips: Futian: Bijiashan Sports Park Metro: Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜岭站), Exit E, then walk to the park via the UpperHills corridor; Line 7 or 14 to Huangmugang Station (黄木岗站), Exit 13, then walk for about 14 minutes to the park’s south gate. Bus stops: Bijiashan Park, Bijiashan Park West. Nanshan: Zhongshan Park Metro: Line 12 to Zhongshan Park Station (中山公园站), Exit C/D. Netherlands Flower Town Metro: Line 1 to Daxin Station (大新站), Exit B. | 