Starry Night Irises · Mirrored Forest Realm

The 2026 Iris Bloom Season will run from May 10 to June 7 under the theme "Starry Night Irises · Mirrored Forest Realm." For this season, Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park is weaving together natural ecology, Impressionist art, and hands-on experiences across three main sections—themed attractions, educational programs, and interactive activities—inviting visitors into a kaleidoscopic world of irises where forest landscapes intertwine with light and shadow in poetic romance.

Across more than 5,000 square meters of iris plantings, the park showcases nearly 50 varieties, including Louisiana iris, Japanese iris, Dutch iris, Siberian iris, and German iris, spanning a color palette of blue, white, purple, pink, and yellow. Concentrated primarily in the park's southeastern area, the display forms an iris touring loop stretching from Qinglan Bridge to Qingbo Bridge.

Iris-Themed Attractions: A Forest of Hidden Paintings, Poetry at Every Step

Iris Artistic Landscape

Serving as the gateway to the bloom season, this roughly 2.5-meter-tall floral arch, woven from iris arrangements, makes a striking first impression. Flanking the archway, Impressionist palette installations artfully recreate the layered colors of paintings—hues of blue-violet, pink-white, and soft yellow that play off the iris arch to set a decidedly romantic tone.

Oil Painting Garden

Inspired by Vincent van Gogh's iconic Irises, a large-scale oil painting frame transforms the painting's graceful blue-violet iris forms and color essence into a three-dimensional art installation. Complemented by folding screens, seating, and display panels, the space functions as more than a viewing area—it is an interactive, walk-through "Vincent Van Gogh · Iris Impressionist Art Garden" where visitors can immerse themselves in the collision of art and nature.

Starlit Waterfront

Along the water's edge, artistically woven bamboo installations line both sides, while crystal stones embedded in the ground scatter shimmering reflections that mirror the irises on the water's surface—as if "a galaxy had descended to earth." Take a seat on a swing, accompanied by floral fragrance and the gentle sound of water, and admire the graceful silhouettes of irises. Here, the poetic ambiance of "a starry night, a starry river, and flower shadows along the waterfront" offers a restorative way to unwind in early summer.

Science Education and Cultural Activities: Unlocking the Secrets of Irises Through Flowers

Iris-Themed Floral Art Workshop

A professional floral art instructor will lead the session in person, covering iris variety characteristics, blooming-season care, and floral arrangement techniques with detailed explanations and live demonstrations of iris-themed arrangements. The session also explores the cultural symbolism and growth habits of irises. Participants will create their own iris floral artwork to take home, carrying with them the fragrance and beauty of early summer.

Iris-Themed Nature Journal Activity

Under the guidance of a professional nature education instructor, participants will venture into the iris planting area to learn the art of nature journaling. The session covers techniques for documenting iris forms and color shifts, weaving in personal observations and reflections, and annotating details such as time, location, and weather. The result is a nature journal that is both scientifically informative and visually engaging—a window into the remarkable world of plants.

As a gentle early-summer breeze stirs the air, irises sway in graceful dance. The 2026 Iris Bloom Season invites you to step into a forest realm where starlight and mirrored surfaces intertwine, and embark on a poetic journey of flowing light, shifting shadow, and color in full bloom.