A corner of the Hangzhou Botanical Garden looks straight out of a fairy tale. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The Hangzhou Botanical Garden in Xihu district opened a chrysanthemum expo on Oct 29, featuring over 700 varieties and nearly 50,000 pots of chrysanthemums across one main venue and four sub-venues in Gongshu, Xiaoshan, Lin'an, and Jiande.

This year's highlight is an exhibition area inspired by balcony designs, where 15 mock balcony spaces — ranging from European elegance to tropical jungle style — showcase creative ways to turn small urban spaces into lush mini gardens. Each design centers on chrysanthemums, paired with moss, succulents, and woven decor, offering practical inspiration for flower lovers looking to borrow ideas for their own balconies.

Plants decorate the balcony into a garden at home. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Scattered throughout the garden, 15 chrysanthemum installations tell stories rooted in Hangzhou's urban charm. Works like Flourishing Hangzhou: Digital Blossoms merge drones and interactive robot dogs with flower cascades, while Dreamer and Gourd Memories evoke imagination and nostalgia through floral art.

At the Yuquan Feiyue scenic area, the variety exhibition displays over 1,200 premium chrysanthemums from across China, presenting rare and innovative breeds in a dazzling array of shapes and colors.

The expo offers a variety of plant-inspired balcony designs. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Visitors can also enjoy chrysanthemum-themed cultural creations and tea at the garden's popular gift shop — bringing home not just souvenirs, but a piece of Hangzhou's golden autumn.

Chrysanthemums in full bloom. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Chrysanthemums in full bloom. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]