As the Qixi Festival approaches, a surge in demand for fresh flowers has been observed at the Kunming International Flower Auction Trading Center, where daily supply has reached approximately 8 million stems from August 2 to August 9, peaking at 9.8 million on certain days.

Li Zhijun, an auctioneer at the center, noted a shift in consumer preferences. “Apart from the traditional red roses, there's a growing popularity for flowers in white, pink, purple, and yellow colors this year," he said. The market demographic has evolved from millennials to Gen Z, transitioning from pleasing others to pleasing oneself, reflecting a desire for personalized experiences. White flowers, particularly Grade A Pride® rose, have been notably popular, fetching up to 6.5 yuan per stem.  

The holiday season has boosted rose sales and increased the prices of complementary flowers like jasmine, lilies, and baby's breath. The average price of fresh-cut flowers has risen to 1.5 yuan per stem, a 40% increase from last year.

In the bustling Dounan Flower Market, bouquets of roses compete for attention, contributing to a sweet and romantic festive atmosphere. Flower shop owner capitalize on this "business opportunity" by offering beautifully packaged holiday bouquets. A steady stream of locals and tourists are drawn to the high aesthetic and symbolic value of these bouquets, using them to convey messages of love with their fragrant blooms.

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(Editors: Rachel, Reena)