Across Mountains and Seas to Seek Orchid Scent: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden Blazes a New Integrated Path of Orchid Conservation and Industrial Development

In May 2026, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden brought Chinese orchids to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, introducing Western audiences to the understated elegance and refined fragrance of Chinese orchids. Behind this display of "Oriental Orchid Charm" are sixteen years of dedication and scientific innovation by the Chenshan research team.

From sequencing the genome of Darwin's orchid and developing the new cultivar "China-Africa Jiyin", to developing a forest-understory economy through the creation of the "Bletilla Flower Valley", helping increase local incomes—Shanghai Chenshan has built a complete path from conservation to industry.

The team also collaborates on vanilla breeding, germplasm conservation, and biosynthesis research, while successfully reintroducing 2,000 native Cymbidium kanran into the wild in Jinggangshan.

As Executive Director of Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Hu Yonghong stated, "We hope to share the unique charm of Chinese orchids with the world. We look forward to joining hands with friends at home and abroad to appreciate the beauty of orchids and jointly protect biodiversity."

It is a story of cultural confidence, scientific innovation, and humanity's harmonious coexistence with nature—told through the conservation and sustainable use of orchids in China.