BLOSSOMING red phoenix flowers set the scene in the city, blending in with the vibe of early summer. In Shenzhen, the month of May not only signals the blossoming of these fiery flowers but also marks the arrival of the annual OCT Phoenix Flower Carnival. Evolving over eight years from a local gathering into a cultural cornerstone of Shenzhen, this celebration draws residents and tourists alike beneath the fiery blooms to revel in the fusion of nature and art. At the OCT Ecological Square in Nanshan District, weekends are abuzz with activities during this carnival in May and June, including a market for recycled stuff, a fair for cool cultural products, and even drama and sports events. Hosted by the OCT Group, this event has the theme of “Nature Has Magic.” It mixes culture, art, music, nature, and lifestyle, and provides numerous cultural experiences. Visitors get to dive into a world where art meets daily life, adding creativity and charm to every moment. From shows to crafts, exhibitions, nature walks, and photo contests, the event showcases a city living in harmony with nature, urging everyone to appreciate everyday beauty through art. Various activities spread across different OCT projects enhance the carnival’s impact, from eco markets and nature lessons teaching harmony with the environment to fun science lessons for kids and relaxing concerts and yoga sessions. All of these activities reflect the event’s philosophy of peaceful coexistence. One highlight is the “New Life for Old Items Market,” where people exchange memories and emotions as they give unused items a new home, promoting sustainability and community bonding. Shenzhen Daily photographer Lin Jianping captured the essence of the phoenix flowers’ beauty. (Windy Shao) | 