Autumn is taking on a vibrant new look at Jinan's 47th Baotu Spring chrysanthemum exhibition, with golden blooms beside clear spring waters and colorful floral arrangements bringing historic pavilions and traditional gardens to life.

The exhibition, which opened on Oct 24 and runs until Nov 23, centers on Baotu Spring and extends to Daming Lake, Wulongtan Park, and Huancheng Park, offering four scenic settings for seasonal flower viewing.

At Baotu Spring, visitors can admire chrysanthemums in a variety of shapes and colors, from perfectly rounded pompon blooms to flowers with long, curling petals and striking multicolored varieties. Garden designers combine chrysanthemums with rocks, willow trees, traditional pavilions, lanterns, and bamboo decorations to create elaborate floral landscapes. Drawing inspiration from classical Chinese poetry, the works of Li Qingzhao (1084–1155) and Xin Qiji (1140–1207), and Jinan's natural and cultural heritage, the displays bring local history and landscapes to life through floral art.

Eight exhibition tents near the north square of the main spring pool showcase more than 300 chrysanthemum varieties, letting visitors take a closer look at the flowers' diversity.

The exhibition also features a range of cultural activities. On weekends, performers dressed as flower fairies lead themed parades, accompanied by traditional-style dances and poetry activities. Visitors can also try floral arrangement and browse themed markets featuring traditional handicrafts, chrysanthemum-inspired cultural products, seasonal snacks, and drinks.

A floral installation combines colorful chrysanthemums with willow branches and traditional Chinese screens. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Different shades of chrysanthemums. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

A chrysanthemum flower steeps in water. [Photo/WeChat account: quanyoujinan]

Performers present a traditional-style dance during the Baotu Spring chrysanthemum exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]