Auspicious fresh flowers, potted citruses, traditional handicrafts, gourmet food, New Year scrolls, kumquat "trees," and more go on sale starting Jan 26 around the Zhuhai Sports Center in New Xiangzhou.

As always at this time of year, people will crowd the market during the 10-day Flower Fair culminating on Chinese New Year's Eve, Feb 4.

Gifts of fresh flowers and plants signify good luck and best wishes. The tradition adds color and vigor to the cheerful atmosphere generated by Spring Festival to celebrate the new year in accord with the Chinese lunar calendar.

The fair will have 215 exhibition stands on 2 hectares (4.9 acres) opened between 8:30 am and 10 pm. Inexpensive flowers will be available in nearly every color choice and high-end imports including American holly (Ilex opaca) and floral arrangements from Japan will increase this year's selection range.

Spring Festival scrolls and red lanterns [File photo provided by Xiangzhou Zhengfang Holdings]

Volunteers will set up booths for scrolls and handicrafts as an act of benevolence to promote charity. One of the organizers is the Xiangzhou District Association for the Disabled.

Good order can be expected as on-site supervision will be combined with data analysis. Fire safety control will also be strengthened this year. Parking lots are designated at the east (Hongshan Road) and west (Jianmin Road) gates and near the Bowling Center and Stadium.

The event is sponsored by Xiangzhou Zhengfang Holdings and presented by a subsidiary of Xiangzhou Zhengfang Public Resources Operation.

Satisfaction

Mandarin (kumquat) 'trees' and potted plants beckon wealth and good fortune [File photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]