New Year Flower Market
Around Chinese New Year flower markets traditionally spring up in various locations around the city selling not only horticultural products but also pets, fireworks & lucky charms for the new year. One arrived in my neighbourhood and for the last few days has been chocker block with people doing last minute shopping for the festivities.
The view from my bedroom window – super busy and crowded. Due to the messed up economy plenty of good deals are on offer as the vendors try to flog all their inventory.
I have no idea what these strange yellow fruits are. If anyone knows please leave a comment – they’re definitely not lemons before anyone asks! I wonder if they’re for eating or just ornamental. (Update 26/01: The fruits were identified by Shuo as Solanum mammosum – they’re only for show and are poisonous so definitely not edible!!).
Buy two, get one free on baby turtles today only – supposedly the turtle is a sign of longevity. Mice, rabbits and goldfish also on offer, not sure whether they were for pets or eating…
This man is hand painting signs to hang above your front door. Most of them read “Happy New Year” or variations on the same theme. They’re supposed to bring good luck to the household and ward off evil spirits.
Most people are off work for the week (including yours truly) and while I don’t have a definite plan yet there’s bound to be something interesting going on and the possibility of another excursion or two 
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Crazy stuff on sale! Is selling baby turtles on the street even legal?
I don’t know what those fruits are, but I’d guess either yellow kiwis or some sort of melon.
It’s definitely illegal in the UK, but in China I doubt it. The jury is still open on the fruits – could possibly be kiwi’s although I can’t seem to find any pics like the ones I saw. I think they’re probably too small to be melons but I could be wrong!
hehe,the yellow fruites are called Solanum mammosum.I once rented a booth and sold things with my friends at this kind of flower market.^^
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_mammosum
Thanks for ID Shuo! What an interesting plant but definitely not something I’d want in my home.
Last night just before midnight the flower market packed up and this morning the street cleaners tidied everything up.