Cat-shaped floral installations in Beijing parks have charmed visitors during the seven-day National Day holiday, offering a fresh, heartwarming twist to traditional holiday flower displays.

Behind the sudden popularity of cat-themed installations across Beijing parks lies a broader evolution in the capital's urban design strategy. At Ritan Park, where visitors consistently describe the lifelike feline installations as "cute" and "soothing," city planners are signaling a deliberate shift away from formal, static displays toward warmer, more approachable public spaces.

"Kids love them and adults love them. They just feel so approachable," said Liang Demei, a visitor.

"They're pretty cute and fluffy. They make you feel really warm and cozy," said Jiang Bo, another visitor.

"We feel that cats convey a sense of relaxation and comfort. As small animals, they're appealing to people of all ages - young people, the elderly and children alike," said Lu Yu, deputy director of Ritan Park.

Experts say that the fact that various designers have chosen cat-themed landscape designs reflects a shift in public landscape design philosophy from focusing on landscape display to focusing on people's daily lives.

The installations bring more than just crowds. Some parks and streets are also linking themed landscapes with park operations and nearby retail, trying to transform short-term popularity into long-term benefits.

At Ritan Park, visitors can not only see the cat-themed installations but also spot various small cat figures on the park's walls, on the lawns, and even next to fish tanks. The park has also designed interactive kitten parade activities and cultural and creative products, creating a cohesive visitor experience.

The lifelike cat installations have drawn crowds, and related cultural and creative products have also been very popular. Besides Ritan Park, a garden market has been set up next to the installations at the Caishikou subway station exit to attract visitors.