Chinese people like chrysanthemums because they blossom in severe cold, representing the spirit of persevering in adversity. Taicang people always observe the tradition of admiring chrysanthemums in late autumn, when famous chrysanthemums are on display. Scholars and poets drink, admire chrysanthemums and write poems to praise the flower.

The second half of November is the best time to admire chrysanthemums. From November 5 to December 5, tens of thousands of locally-cultivated chrysanthemums will be exhibited in Nanyuan Garden and Yuanhuayuan Mountain Villa.

At the gate of Nanyuan Garden, many beautiful chrysanthemum designs have been set up. In Nanyuan Garden, over 20,000 pots of 200 varieties of chrysanthemums have been decorated in pavilions, corridors and bridges. Several precious varieties will be shown in Hemeixian Pavilion. Eleven pots featuring different bonsai chrysanthemums will also be on display. On November 11 (Singles Day), a blind date party was held in Nanyuan Garden for 70 males and females. Most participants spent their time at home surfing the Internet. They applied to participate through online platforms like BBS and WeChat. Their personal information was collected by the host beforehand. Afterwards, everyone received a number and can get access to one’s information by inputting his or her number onto a WeChat platform.

It’s also a good time to taste delicious crab. In the warm afternoon, drinking a cup of chrysanthemum tea is quite relaxing and refreshing. It tastes better with some rock candy added in. Chrysanthemum tea can help alleviate dryness, aches and numbness.

During the chrysanthemum display, many amateur photographers visited Nanyuan Garden and took photos of the beautiful chrysanthemums.