Crabapple flowers hit peak bloom in Changning

The crabapple flowers, often called "fairies among blossoms," have reached their best viewing period at Zhongshan Park and Huashan Green Space in Changning District.

At the Changning Road entrance of Zhongshan Park, two elegantly pruned crabapple trees stand out. Beneath them, a newly created Monet garden landscape is also in peak bloom, complementing the crabapples beautifully. Near Wanhangdu Road, a small but charming crabapple grove offers another delightful spot.

At Huashan Green Space, multiple crabapple trees are in full bloom. From a distance, the pink flowers catch the eye. The blossoms, in varying shades of red and pink, form a sea of flowers that exudes the romance and poetry of spring.

The beauty of crabapple flowers has been celebrated by poets and writers throughout Chinese history. Su Shi, a great poet of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), was so fond of crabapples that he once viewed them by candlelight at night, finding them serene and even more enchanting after dark.

Though beautiful, crabapple flowers have a short blooming period. Take advantage of the fine spring weather and embark on a flower-viewing journey in Changning.

Cross-region accordion gala wows Shanghai audience

The 2026 “Shanghai Spring” 8th International Accordion Culture and Art Week – Yangtze River Delta and National Outstanding Accordion Program Showcase took place on the evening of April 5 at the Hongqiao Art Center in Changning District.

The accordion event brought together outstanding performing ensembles from the Yangtze River Delta and other parts of the country. Performers spanning four generations, from children to seniors, shared the stage, delivering an audiovisual experience that combined artistic excellence and human warmth through diverse playing styles and moving melodies. 

The performance vividly illustrated the open and dynamic nature of Shanghai-style culture, as well as the deep bonds of artistic exchange within the Yangtze River Delta region.

The evening was a full display of the accordion’s diverse charm, featuring 11 programs. The repertoire included classic folk songs, world-famous melodies, and original works, with performance forms ranging from duets, ensembles, and chamber music to cross-genre “accordion+” fusions, allowing the audience to experience the instrument’s boundless expressiveness.

Changning’s spring hideaways bloom with seasonal surprises

As spring weather warms up, a collection of “hidden gems” in Changning District – from shopping malls to vibrant streets – are inviting residents to explore everyday beauty in unexpected places.

Raffles City Changning

The mall has launched a cherry blossom sports season, with a nine-square grid walking track open to the public for free all day. The outdoor lawn and historic buildings, framed by falling cherry blossoms, exude classical elegance. 

A cherry blossom installation called “Heartbeat Stand” pairs with color-blocked steps, making visitors feel as if they are sitting in a sea of blossoms. 

Tip: Light-colored clothing complements the spring blooms, and the late afternoon sunset creates perfect lighting for atmospheric photos.

East Hongqiao Center

In partnership with bakery brand “Chartres Basket,” the center has created a new outdoor plaza scene blending relaxation and dining. Amid lush greenery, scattered lounge chairs invite visitors to enjoy a touch of nature in the city. A pop-up bakery zone from Chartres Basket fills the air with tempting aromas.

WYSH

Located in the heart of Wuyi Road, WYSH combines historic charm with modern aesthetics. Its sky garden feels like a secret urban oasis. The venue regularly hosts art exhibitions and themed pop-ups, and is home to global cuisine, lifestyle and home decor stores, and trendy designer boutiques.

Brilliance West Shopping Center

The center has prepared a spring fun feast for visitors. The “Brilliance West Botanical Garden” features five must-visit photo spots, with outdoor greenery and flowers competing for attention. Interactive installations hide nature facts, while an indoor seed museum turns plant science into a lively classroom. On the rooftop garden, circular greenery surrounds visitors, and a dedicated pet activity area lets furry friends run free. Visitors can also try their hand at basketball and pickball.

Changning forum addresses brand needs with full support

Following the conclusion of the 2026 Autumn/Winter Shanghai Fashion Week, Changning District held a brand communication meeting to precisely connect with outstanding brands that emerged during the event. 

The meeting served as a bridge between the government and enterprises to discuss the future development of Changning’s fashion consumption industry.

At the meeting, brand representatives from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen and other cities shared their core development needs.

“We want to be seen by more people!” was a common sentiment. Brands expressed a strong desire for more diversified exposure channels. Regarding exhibition spaces and offline venues, designers suggested they should be more artistic and visually impactful, avoiding an “old-fashioned” booth feel. Many brands also expressed interest in co-organizing public welfare activities with the government.

In response to these needs, the district’s Commerce Commission detailed Changning’s unique advantages and support policies. As the east engine of the Greater Hongqiao area and the west gateway to the metropolis, Changning boasts a distinctive export-oriented economy and is one of the birthplaces of China’s fashion consumption industry.

To support emerging original brands, Changning will provide full-process services covering business registration, venue matching, and financing consultation. The commission highlighted plans to create a “testing ground” for the fashion consumption industry, offering designers low-cost, high-exposure offline display spaces to help brands grow in real market conditions. Special support policies for the industry were also introduced.

As the core platform of Shanghai Fashion Week’s “Asia’s Largest Ordering Season,” the 2026 Autumn/Winter MODE Shanghai Fashion Trade Show was held from March 25 to 29 at Crystal Bridge in Changning District. This edition attracted buyers from multiple regions across China and abroad. The 1,000–3,000 yuan (US$439.24) price range was the most active ordering bracket, accounting for about 49 percent of orders. Strong on-site signings and interest demonstrated robust commercial conversion capabilities.

Late cherry blossoms reach peak splendor at Zhongshan Park

The cherry blossom grove in Zhongshan Park has entered its most brilliant time of the year – the late-blooming cherry trees are now in full bloom, covering the area in layers of soft pink.

The late cherry trees lining both sides of the road are heavy with blossoms. Unlike the delicate and airy early cherry blossoms, late cherry blossoms have layered petals that are softer and more refined, and their fuller shape withstands closer viewing.

In addition to the most popular cherry blossom grove, late cherry trees can also be found at several other spots throughout the park.

Citizens are seen resting under the trees or jogging slowly past them. Even daily commuters, not just dedicated visitors, can’t help but slow down and immerse themselves in this breathtakingly beautiful cherry blossom grove.