Huazhao Festival, or flower festival, kicked off on Friday in Shanghai Yu Garden.

Featuring an immersive garden tour that has restored the ancient scenery, the event will continue until April 28.

In addition to restoring the market scene of the Song Dynasty in the central square of Yu Garden, there are also installation floats, parade performances, flowers with lanterns, and NPC interaction. Tourists wearing hanfu can also participate in special events to receive gifts.

The Huazhao Festival, which has a history of over 2,000 years, is held in celebration of the flower goddess' birthday. According to ancient beliefs, the flower goddess controlled the reproduction of mankind and it later became a custom to celebrate the birthday of the flower goddess for prosperity.