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Paws and petals - Towering floral dog steals show in Shanghai during international flower show | Collector
Paws and petals - Towering floral dog steals show in Shanghai during international flower show
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Paws and petals - Towering floral dog steals show in Shanghai during international flower show

"A giant 5.2-metre floral dog is stealing the spotlight across Shanghai as flower-made animal sculptures bloom throughout the city ahead of the Shanghai International Flower Show. Footage captured on Sunday showcases the towering sculpture at the Jing'an sub-venue in the Suhe Bay area, depicting a West Highland White Terrier. Dubbed the 'messy-haired puppy’ by local fans, its fluffy coat is crafted from thousands of fine-leaved needle grasses that sway in the wind, creating a remarkably lifelike and soft appearance. Large crowds gathered to take photos of the giant topiary dog, celebrating both nature and our furry companions. Miss Zhang shared, "This Suhe Bay area is pet-friendly and a very famous destination. We often bring our dogs and cats here to play. For this flower festival, I kept seeing it on Xiaohongshu over the past few days, and I heard about it." She added, "People can participate, but it’s great to see pets and their owners enjoy each other’s company. It’s a wonderful way for them to get along harmoniously." Mr Wu noted, "Ah yes, I scrolled past it on Xiaohongshu. I saw this quite unique little dog, so I came over to take a look." To bring the vibrant character of the floral dog to life, designers used multi-coloured petunias for its floral vest and incorporated succulents for details like its tail, tongue, and ears. The creation is made from 2,000 to 3,000 live plants. This botanical art installation is the star attraction of this year's event, operating under the theme 'Blossom Pet Land', which also features other animal creations like giraffes and meerkats. The 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show features a city-wide layout of two main venues and 10 sub-venues, transforming parks, commercial streets, and urban spaces into a seamless sea of flowers. The Westie installation has already become a social media sensation, drawing large crowds of residents and visitors who flock to the site to take photos with the charming floral canine before the exhibition closes on May 10. Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs and cats, promoting a harmonious and joyful environment among humans, animals, and nature. Driven heavily by platforms like Xiaohongshu, the exhibition has become a massive trending 'check-in' spot. Beyond the sculptures, the exhibition features pedestrian bridges, building facades, and pop-up structures draped entirely in vibrant pink flowers, creating an immersive spring experience in the heart of the city."

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