Citizens admire narcissus artworks [Photo by Lin Junbin from Pingtan CMC]

The Seventh Flower Expo and Pingtan Narcissus Festival kicked off on January 21 in Pingtan, an island off the coast of E China's Fujian province, drawing crowds of visitors eager to admire and purchase the exquisite Pingtan narcissus flowers. The air was filled with the delightful fragrance of these blooms, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

"Pingtan narcissus are known for their mini size, profusion of blooms, and an impressive flowering period. Before hitting the market, the flowers undergo multiple processes, and only the finest specimens are selected for sale," explained Zhuang Xiuling, cultivation manager of Pingtan Lvlian Lvfu Narcissus Development Co., Ltd. As one of the pioneering enterprises to utilize the "Pingtan Narcissus" geographical indication trademark, the company is dedicated to tapping into the natural endowments of Pingtan's native high-quality narcissus flowers, mass-cultivating superior commercial bulbs, and transforming them into artistic treasures with unique styles, exquisite craftsmanship, and superior quality.

Inside the Narcissus Boutique Hall, nearly 140 intricately carved narcissus works adorned the space. Chen Shaolan, a Pingtan narcissus carver, introduced that these carvings will bloom sequentially from the recent period to the Lantern Festival, depending on their soaking time. "We've also designed some narcissus shapes incorporating the Year of the Snake elements, such as the Golden Snake Bringing Prosperity. These meticulously crafted works allow viewers to appreciate the roots, flowers, and leaves simultaneously," Chen said.

Celebrating seven years of floral festivities, the Flower Expo spotlights the burgeoning narcissus cultivation industry in Pingtan. "Currently, there are 11 households engaged in the floral business, with six large-scale enterprises and farmers proudly showcasing their own cultivation techniques. The cultivated area for Pingtan narcissus bulbs spans approximately 300 mu, complemented by a conservation base for native bulbs of similar size," noted Zhang Lihua, a specialist from the Pingtan Natural Resources Service Center.