With less than a month remaining until the 2026 Lunar New Year, China's cities are pulsing with festive energy as residents prepare for the Spring Festival. In Shanghai, flower markets brim with orchids, kumquats, and chrysanthemums – symbols of prosperity that shoppers are snapping up to decorate homes and businesses.
Modern Traditions Meet Ancient Customs
At Nanchang's dragon lantern workshop in Jiangxi Province, artisans work late into the night crafting elaborate designs. 'Demand has tripled compared to last year,' says workshop manager Li Wei, wiping sawdust from his hands. 'We're shipping lanterns to Southeast Asia, Europe, and even receiving orders from Chinese communities in San Francisco.'
Economic Pulse Quickens
The seasonal surge is boosting local economies, with flower vendors reporting 40% higher sales than 2025. E-commerce platforms note a 210% year-on-year increase in traditional decoration sales, signaling strong consumer confidence as China enters the Year of the Horse.
