The saying “A horse-breeding area in the Wu-Yue Kingdom (AD 907-978), a flower trading center in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279)” describes the ancient Macheng Road in Hangzhou. The flower market now reviving on a small square has lured residents in this spring, some squatting to pick plants while some holding bouquets.

Residents have crowded here on Macheng Road less than thirty minutes from the opening. “For decades, this is the first time I’ve seen a flower market held here. These bonsai are sold pretty much at the wholesale price. So I’ve bought quite a little!” said Feng Yingli in the No. 11 on the Road, who picked her favorite styles to take home.

Tulips, Lisianthus and Gypsophila…… The flower market that has attracted crowds is organized by the union of shops at Wentian Community, Xixi Sub-district. Liu Hongbo has been a florist for 9 years and now he is tending to a grocery. He is also the union’s chair. The over 40 plant varieties are from the partner farm. “I am a florist again. The low-priced bonsais are for my neighbors,” said he.

Those wearing Hanfu and each holding a basket also brightened the market. “It was called Macheng Flower Market in the Song Dynasty, so I wore the corresponding clothes specially for this occasion,” said Shi Wenxiao, who wandered around the market with common-interest friends.

The community, the shop union, CPC members and common residents were inspired and called on to play roles in such an exuberant get-together. “When it comes to life quality and folklore, we are thirsty of being the guardian of heritages and folk arts, rendering new ideas to old customs and facilitating interactions between the long-standing culture and modern social progress,” said the head of department from Wentian Community. He indicated that they would endeavor with Party members to leverage the regional culture and values to make the community prosperous in both culture and business.