Nestled in the mountains, Xiangtang Village in Nanjing is known for its gardenia blossoms, and almost every household grows this flower.  

From markets to online platforms, most of the gardenias sold in Nanjing come from this very place. Each June, when the flowers bloom across the valleys, the fragrance drifts from the mountains into the city’s streets and alleyways. 

In the 1980s, the village saw its first generation of selling blossoms for a living. Now, young villagers have taken the initiative to organize public welfare activities, giving the gardenia a new meaning. They collect fresh flowers and let children sell them on the streets. The proceeds are donated to schools in western China to help improve learning conditions. 

This heartfelt campaign, connecting people across regions, has been going on for nine years. What was once a livelihood crop has become a symbol of the village’s collective memory. 

New businesses have settled in Xiangtang, while old habits are slowly changing. The scent of gardenias now carries farther than ever—along with the lasting fragrance of kindness.