Early March saw the grand opening of the 14th Hangzhou Spring Orchid Show at Guo’s Villa in West Lake, drawing crowds of orchid enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Among the star attractions was the much-anticipated “Green Cloud” (an orchid variety) competition, which had its own dedicated space inside the garden. Over a dozen Green Cloud orchids were put on display, each vying for attention—and votes. Visitors and local orchid lovers cast their ballots, and after a mix of professional judging and public participation, three entries—cultivated by the Huagang Office, Yuan Churen, and Qingyiju, respectively—rose to the top.

Titled “A Shared Fragrance,” this year’s exhibition showcased over 400 pots spanning more than 200 orchid varieties. Red-hued orchids brought festive color to the scene, while the “Queen of Spring Orchids,” the Green Cloud, took center stage. A full lineup of interactive activities added to the experience, blending visual beauty, cultural depth, and hands-on engagement—making this year’s West Lake orchid event one to remember. Over the course of the exhibition, it drew about 11,700 visitors.

A fresh twist this year: the show went hybrid. By pairing offline exhibits with online engagement, the exhibition brought the scent—and the story—of West Lake orchids to a much wider audience. Master orchid grower Xu Ye livestreamed a tour, guiding viewers through the finer points of orchid appreciation and introducing standout varieties like the Green Cloud, Yanzhikou, and Dianhongsu. The stream drew over 5,000 views.

For those looking to go a step further, the exhibition also hosted a series of hands-on workshops as part of the “Master’s West Lake” initiative. Led by veteran instructors, including the head of the West Lake Orchid Master Studio and recognized heritage bearers of West Lake’s traditional floral arrangements—the sessions offered deep-dive experiences that let participants connect with the artistry and care behind each bloom.