Lovers don't have to travel all the way to Provence to roam the bright purple fields of lavender. The Purple Egret lavender garden on Shanghai's Chongming Island can be a wonderful place to enjoy a romantic scene.

As the only love-themed garden in the city, it has more than 2.7 hectares of lavender fields that are in full bloom by late May. The park's third Lavender Festival, from May 20 to June 20, will treat visitors not only to a purple sea of flowers but also a series of exciting events.

Lu Qiong, an employee of the garden, says the park is a perfect space for lovers to spend weekends and for brides and grooms to take their wedding photos. "We have tried to create a romantic atmosphere in the garden," she says.

A total of 36,500 plants of lavender were planted in the garden. The number, 365 multiplied by 100, implies a wish that love lasts for 100 years and for every day of a 365-day year.

A statue of the little love god Cupid and the giant white marble arch beside the lavender field add an exotic flavor.

Those who like do-it-yourself can extract lavender essential oil, making lavender soap or a pillow in the park's workshop. The wonderful herb is famous for relaxing the mind and facilitating sleep.

Couples can also rent a piece of land in the garden during the festival to grow whatever plants they like. Seeds of vegetables and flowers are available in the park shop.

During the festival, visitors who take photos of lavender fields can join a photo competition. Upload two of your best shots to the website www.go2green.com.cn, and you have a chance to win the top prize of 3,000 yuan ($488).

At night, the park will hold bonfire parties, a romantic circumstance that might inspire single men and women to develop a relationship.

(China Daily 05/19/2013 page15)