New program premieres, exploring China's floral culture and economy

A new large-scale multimedia show celebrating China's rich floral culture premiered on China Media Group (CMG)'s CCTV-1 channel on Saturday. Titled "Blossoming China," the program is a joint production by CMG, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and the China Flower Association.

Sa Beining, a presenter at CMG, hosts the show, and is joined by celebrities Liu Shishi and Wang Yuheng. The show blends gardening, culture and lifestyle through immersive visits to gardens across the country. It explores how flowers – deeply rooted in Chinese tradition – are becoming an essential part of a beautiful life.

The program pushes visual storytelling to new levels with 4K ultra-high-definition footage, macro lenses and time-lapse photography, capturing breathtaking moments of flowers in bloom. Among them are named varieties like "Endless Summer," "Blue Rain" and "Juice Balcony," which highlight China's poetic approach to horticulture.

China's floriculture industry is thriving, supported by rich germplasm resources, a long cultivation history, and a deep-rooted flower culture. Flower-themed tourism is booming and driving the "beauty economy." As home gardening gains popularity as a new form of flower consumption and cultivation, it not only reflects people's pursuit of a better life, but also opens up new possibilities for the industry's expansion.

In China, flowers are not only admired for their beauty but also used in cuisine. The tradition of consuming edible flowers dates back centuries, rooted in the belief that flowers offer health and beauty benefits. On the show, the hosts and guests transform blossoms into delicate dishes, an experience that delights the palate while paying tribute to ancient cultural wisdom.

Through 12 episodes, "Blossoming China" takes viewers on a journey through the country's diverse floral landscapes, while tracing the cultural and regional stories behind them. The program connects iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and ecological settings, offering a vivid portrait of how flowers are intertwined with urban charm. The show aims to present a new model of culture-tourism integration.