A colorful display of chrysanthemums is adding seasonal charm to Lixia district in Jinan, where golden blooms, carefully crafted floral landscapes, and cultural activities are welcoming visitors to the 47th Baotu Spring chrysanthemum exhibition.

Running from Oct 24 to Nov 23, the exhibition features four venues: Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Wulongtan Park, and Huancheng Park. Each offers a different setting for visitors to enjoy the autumn flowers, from historic gardens and spring pools to lakeside scenery.

At Baotu Spring, chrysanthemums come in a wide range of shapes and colors, including rounded pompon blooms, varieties with long, curling petals, and striking multicolored flowers. These are arranged alongside rocks, willow trees, traditional pavilions, lanterns, and bamboo decorations to create distinctive garden scenes. Inspired by classical Chinese poetry, the works of Li Qingzhao (1084–1155) and Xin Qiji (1140–1207), and Jinan's own natural and cultural heritage, the displays incorporate local history and landscapes into floral art.

More than 300 chrysanthemum varieties are currently on show in eight exhibition tents near the north square of Baotu Spring's main pool, where visitors can explore the flowers' diverse forms and colors.

Beyond the displays, the exhibition offers a variety of cultural experiences. Weekend activities include themed parades led by performers dressed as flower fairies, traditional-style dance performances, and poetry activities. Visitors can also try their hand at arranging flowers and explore themed markets selling traditional handicrafts, chrysanthemum-inspired cultural products, seasonal snacks, and drinks.

A floral installation combines colorful chrysanthemums with willow branches and traditional Chinese screens. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Different shades of chrysanthemums. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

A chrysanthemum flower steeps in water. [Photo/WeChat account: quanyoujinan]

Performers present a traditional-style dance during the Baotu Spring chrysanthemum exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]