The Hamburg Garden at the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show April 16, 2026 – Shanghai’s Huangpu district welcomed the unveiling of the Hamburg Garden at the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show, marking the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Shanghai and Hamburg. Located in Xintiandi, the garden serves as a living symbol of the enduring partnership between the two port cities, blending northern German garden design with cultural elements from Hamburg. The garden was officially opened on April 16 by a delegation from Hamburg led by Carola Veit, President of the Hamburg Parliament. Speaking at the ceremony, Veit emphasized the garden’s significance as a representation of the long-standing friendship between the cities, noting that it is the first time a German city has participated in the Shanghai International Flower Show. She quoted Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran, stating, “The flowers of spring are winter’s dreams related at the breakfast table of the angels,” to capture the spirit of the collaboration. Veit highlighted shared opportunities for future cooperation in urban green development, sustainability, port partnerships, and education, describing Shanghai as a “booming town” where many young people express enthusiasm for living and learning. She stressed the importance of strengthening exchanges between younger generations in both cities to ensure the continued vitality of the relationship. The Hamburg Garden features two waterways symbolizing the convergence of the Elbe and Huangpu rivers—the mother rivers of Hamburg and Shanghai, respectively—integrating natural and cultural elements from both regions. Designed to reflect the distinct style of northern German gardens although incorporating aspects of Hamburg’s urban character, the garden will be open to the public during the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show, which runs from April 18 to May 10, offering 23 days of floral displays and cultural programming. Local officials affirmed that the garden showcases the ecological achievements and cultural charm of both cities, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable urban development and international friendship through shared public spaces.
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