Chrysanthemums bloom in the hutongs of Beijing

With their vibrant colors and graceful blooms, Beijing's chrysanthemums are more than just seasonal flowers, bringing a touch of warmth to the city as autumn gives way to the cold winter days. The city has a history of chrysanthemum cultivation spanning more than 1,000 years.

The annual citizens' chrysanthemum festival celebrating this long-standing tradition and the gardening skills of local residents is now being held in the hutongs of Dongcheng District, with over 1,600 pots of chrysanthemum representing more than 60 varieties on display.