Guangzhou greets Lunar New Year with flower markets

Flower markets opened in various districts of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, on Monday, creating a festive atmosphere for locals as they celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year.

Visiting the flower markets and buying flowers is part of the most traditional celebrations for people in Guangzhou, known as the "Flower City," to greet the Spring Festival, which falls on Saturday.

In the booming Huangpu district, three large flower markets have opened in Huangpu Park, Liuzhou Square and Knowledge City, along with some activities featuring local traditions and culture.

The flower markets usually end a day before the Chinese Lunar New Year. Locals even say that the Chinese New Year does not truly begin until one has strolled through the "flower streets".