Dounan flower market

What it is

Yunnan's mild climate has made it the flower garden of China, and Dounan, on the edge of Kunming, is where the crop is traded. It is often called the largest fresh cut-flower market in Asia. Growers bring roses, lilies, carnations, gerberas, lisianthus and baby's breath in huge bundles on carts. The wholesale trading floor comes alive in the evening and runs into the night, while a separate auction centre sells by descending-price clock. Prices are low enough that visitors walk out with armfuls. The same halls sell dried flowers, succulents and the edible rose pastries that Kunming is known for.

Before you go

• Go after dark for the wholesale market at full pace.
• Watch for carts and scooters in the aisles.
• Try a flower cake, a small pastry filled with sweetened rose petals.

The flowers you will see

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursLilyTall bulb flowers with large, colourful blooms in many gardens and culturesCarnationA fragrant flower with ruffled petals, grown worldwide for decoration and meaningGerberaBright daisy-like blooms from South Africa, popular in gardens and bouquetsLisianthusA small gentian genus grown as the long-lasting cut flower lisianthus

Also part of it, and being written: Gypsophila paniculata.

More in China

🇨🇳 Luoyang · Apr to MayLuoyang peony seasonThe old capital of Luoyang fills its parks with tree peonies every April. 🇨🇳 Luoping · Feb to MarLuoping canola flower seaYellow rapeseed fields stretching between small limestone hills in eastern Yunnan. 🇨🇳 Suzhou · Mar to OctClassical gardens of SuzhouScholar gardens of rock, water and pavilions, where each season has its chosen flower.