The festival commenced in the lantern festival in 1990. The first festival was hosted by the county government and supported by the association of veteran cadres on poetry, painting and calligraphy and the association of birds and flowers on county downtown. The festival happens usually around January 16 of the Chinese lunar calendar. The first five festivals were held every year and starting in 1996 it became every other year. The event usually lasts 7 to 11 days. The major activity of the festival is flower exhibition which includes birds, flowers, paintings, calligraphy, lanterns, performances, and crafts. The major products at show include traditional peach and plum bonsais, precious Tonghai torch lily, root carvings, stone carvings, and wood carvings. Poetry stage is set up for visitors to write poems and calligraphy. There is also an opera stage for opera lovers to perform. The festival presents the spring scene of flowers in multiple colors and lanterns of various patterns. The principle of the festival is relying on the festival as a platform for economic development. At the festival, the whole city is decorated with numerous flowers anywhere you go. Folk arts show, poem writing and calligraphy creating bring intensive cultural atmosphere to the town. Meanwhile, market fair and snack street are also set up for shopping and tasting local delicacies. The festival is a major cultural celebration and tourism event in Tonghai. It has been playing an important role in creating harmonious society and enhancing the growth of holiday economy. It has become a successful integration of traditional culture and modern market economy.
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