As autumn arrives in full swing, Beijing parks like Beihai Park, the Temple of Heaven, Zhongshan Park, and Zizhuyuan Park are launching themed chrysanthemum exhibitions one after another. As a signature autumn cultural tradition in Beijing, these exhibitions showcase innovative designs and horticultural artistry, creating a rich seasonal experience and breathing new vitality into classical gardens.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven's "Chrysanthemum Charm in the Capital" (菊韵京华) exhibition covers an area of nearly 6,000 square meters and displays nearly 10,000 pots of chrysanthemums of all kinds.

The highlight is a stunning 6.5-meter-tall chrysanthemum tower, composed of 13 layers of flowers rising tier upon tier. Each layer blooms in a staggered display, perfectly blending horticultural craftsmanship with natural beauty.

Also on site is a 3.5-meter-tall chrysanthemum arrangement, shaped like an elephant, symbolizing blessings for good fortune, peace and joy year after year.

Beihai Park

The 47th Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Beihai Park covers 6,000 square meters, showcasing more than 600 varieties and 50,000 individual plants. After a 17-year hiatus, the Cantonese Daliju Chrysanthemum from Xiaolan in South China's Guangdong province — a representative of traditional Lingnan chrysanthemum artistry — returns to Beihai Park, one of the most renowned parks in Beijing.

Meanwhile, 3,100 pots of premium chrysanthemums from Kaifeng in Central China's Henan province are exhibited together with more than 150 native varieties cultivated by Beihai Park.

"Fuduo'er (福朵儿, or Lucky Blossom)", an adorable botanical sculpture in the form of a cat, created with various plants, captures the lively expression of a tabby cat, adding childlike charm and warmth to this historic royal garden.

The park has also opened a themed market offering Jiangnan specialties such as pastries, souvenirs, tea, and other beverages from Tongxiang, Zhejiang province.

Zizhuyuan Park

The 2026 Autumn Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Zizhuyuan Park features over 3,000 square meters of landscaped gardens, 13 viewing spots, and three dedicated chrysanthemum-viewing routes. The main exhibition area at the Fuyin Zizhuyuan Palace (福荫紫竹院行宫) displays more than 500 varieties and 2,000 pots of premium chrysanthemums.

The exhibition also offers engaging activities like intangible-cultural-heritage flower arrangement workshops, creative landscape installations, and displays of citizens' horticultural works.

Several time-honored brands in the park are offering seasonal food and beverages, making it convenient for visitors to take a break and grab a bite.

Zhongshan Park

The premium chrysanthemum exhibition at Zhongshan Park features over 600 pots of chrysanthemums, bringing together famous traditional varieties and outstanding artistic arrangements.

(Source: Beijing Daily)