The ongoing 32nd Guangzhou Garden Expo (Autumn Session) beautifully integrates the kapok flower, the city flower of Guangzhou, with the celebratory atmosphere of the 15th National Games, creating a vibrant "city living room" for residents and visitors.
The table below summarizes the key details for your visit:
Detail Information
Event 32nd Guangzhou Garden Expo (Autumn Session)
Theme "Bay Area Blossom · Green Beauty Guangzhou · Exciting National Games"
Duration Until December 15, 2025
Main Locations Huacheng Square, Linjiang Avenue, Ersha Island, Haixinsha
Key Kapok Displays • "Guang · Kapok" art installation at Huacheng Square
• Giant kapok flowers at Haixinsha
• Kapok-themed landscapes throughout the venues
✨ Featured Kapok Highlights
The kapok, also known as the "hero flower," is a central motif of this year's expo, with several standout displays:
"Guang · Kapok" Art Installation: Located at Huacheng Square, this is one of the most iconic pieces. The installation uses 15 sleek components, each shaped like the Chinese character "广" (Guang), to form a giant, three-dimensional kapok flower. The mascots for the 15th National Games, "Xi Yangyang" and "Le Rongrong," stand atop the structure, perfectly merging the city's floral emblem with the spirit of the sports event.
Giant Kapok at Haixinsha: For a stunning photo opportunity, head to Haixinsha where you can find impressive giant kapok flower displays. A popular tip is to find the right angle to capture the kapok with the Canton Tower in the background.
A Symbol of Heroism: The choice of the kapok is deeply symbolic. The flower represents heroism in local culture, and its use throughout the expo is a tribute to Guangzhou's identity as a "heroic city." The displays are designed not just for beauty but also to carry forward the heroic spirit of the city.
? More to Explore at the Expo
Beyond the kapok, the Garden Expo offers a rich variety of horticultural and cultural experiences:
Diverse Garden Zones: Explore 38 boutique exhibition gardens and 64 floral art nodes. Key areas include:
International Masters Garden: Features gardens created by top designers from eight countries, including Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, offering a global perspective on garden design.
Huacheng Green Beauty Garden on Ersha Island: Showcases gardens representing different districts of Guangzhou, allowing you to experience the local character of the city, from Nansha's coastal themes to Liwan's Cantonese opera influences.
National Games Garden: Located on Linjiang Avenue, this garden incorporates elements and mascots from previous National Games, evoking a sense of sports history and memory.
Integrated Cultural Events: The expo coincides with the Guangzhou International Light Festival. This creates a fantastic "view flowers by day, enjoy lights by night, and experience the games all day" atmosphere. Additionally, various activities like the Ersha Island Four Seasons Concerts and flower and coffee festivals are held throughout the event period.
? Planning Your Visit
Transportation: The expo areas are highly accessible by metro. You can take Metro Line 3, 5, 12, or the APM Line and get off at Zhujiang New Town Station or Haixinsha Station.
Ticketing: The expo is free to enter and does not require a reservation. Furthermore, as part of the "National Games with Gifts"惠民 campaign, 12 park scenic spots in Guangzhou are offering free tickets, with a plan to distribute 756,000 free tickets.
Pro Tips: For the best experience, consider visiting on a weekday, with 10 AM or 3 PM suggested as good times to avoid crowds. Wearing light-colored clothing is recommended for better photos.
I hope this guide helps you fully enjoy the magnificent kapok blooms at the Guangzhou Garden Expo. Are you planning to visit any of the specific garden zones, such as the International Masters Garden?
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