As the Chinese Year of the Horse approaches, flower markets across China are heating up with activity, with a growing number of customers shopping for potted plants and floral decorations for the new year.
At the Beijing Flower Trading Center, flowers of various colors and types are attracting customers of all ages.
Among the most popular items are new orchid varieties with pouch-shaped petals that hold blessing cards for the new year.
Creative new designs, such as horse-shaped flower vases and pots, are also catching the eyes of many customers.
In Foshan City of south China's Guangdong Province, flower sellers even designed a potted plant featuring Phalaenopsis orchids arranged in the form of a galloping horse, evoking the joyful spirit of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
"This year marks the Year of the Horse, which carries the auspicious meaning of 'achieving immediate success.' Creative products here sell significantly better. Our sales volume for the New Year season has already grown by one third," said a flower seller in Foshan.
Apart from orchid flowers, red-colored amaryllis and kumquat trees, which symbolize good luck and prosperity, are also among the most popular choices.
In southwest China's Yunnan Province, the Lijiang Modern Flower Industry Park is seeing their calla lilies in white, gold, pink, purple, and many other colors being ordered by an increasing number of clients.
At the Dounan Flower Market -- known as the "flower capital of Asia" -- in Kunming, Yunnan Province, some florists have set up live-streaming rooms right at their stalls, making it easier for customers to buy flowers online and have them shipped directly to their homes.
Logistics companies have also opened priority channels for fresh flower delivery.
"Next-day delivery services are now available in approximately 15 provinces and dozens of cities across the country, while within Kunming, half-day delivery is offered to customers," said Ma Jiangjiang, manager of a local logistics company.
Flower markets bloom with sales ahead of Chinese New Year
