In the crowd there is a pair of young lovers. The girl carries a big bouquet of flowers, with a smile on her face, and the flowers in her hand add a summer freshness to the early spring in Beijing. Flowers have become an important part of people's lives in China today.
Near Miss Zhang's office there is a flower market. Every other day, Miss Zhang goes there and buys her favorite flowers to put in a beautiful crystal vase at home.
Mr. Chen never forgets to buy his wife a rose on his way home, and he does so all year round.
Mrs. Liu is ordering flowers in a flower store for her son's wedding tomorrow.
At 4:30 am, Xiao Li goes to his stand in a wholesale flower market and waits for the fresh flowers from south China. He makes a deal at a fair price, and then sells them to flower stores or retail customers.
A few years ago, people in China showed little interest in flowers because they had to worry about food and clothing, and flowers were fewer and less varied. Today, the reserved Chinese people like to express their feelings with flowers, as can be seen in people's daily lives and on occasions such as visits, weddings, and funerals.
The increasing demand has naturally pushed forward the production of flowers. China not only imports flowers but has also established its own production centers, mostly in Yunnan Province, where the majority of flowers in the Beijing markets come from.
A flower market on a ring road in Beijing. Every year, a flower-arrangement performance is held in Beijing. Little girls naturally love flowers.
An important part of life: Carrying flowers home. Mrs. Li opened her flower store three years ago. She has studied flower arrangement, and she likes her work. The elderly prefer buying flowers at the morning market. Although fewer varieties are available, the flowers are cheaper.
(China Pictorial 03/16/2001)
