The World Peony Conference 2021 kicked off in Heze, Shandong province on April 8 with a series of activities to promote local peony-related industries.

The event, organized by the Shandong Provincial People's Government, will end on April 13.

The World Peony Conference 2021 opens on April 8 in Heze, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The event gathers experts, scholars and enterprises in the fields of peony planting, processing, scientific research and marketing. A series of high-end forums will be held and a number of key projects will be signed during the event.

"Heze is not only a historical and cultural city with profound connotations, but also a vibrant modern industrial city," said Zeng Zanrong, vice-governor of Shandong, in his speech at the opening ceremony.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), Heze made great progress in social and economic development, with the main economic indicator growth rate being at the forefront in Shandong, said Zeng.

Peony flowers at a plantation in Heze, Shandong province [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Heze, known as the peony capital of China, has a long history of peony cultivation and is the country's major peony base. The city has made significant achievements in peony product research and development, variety breeding and cultivation as well as high value-added products processing," he added.

Zeng also expressed hope that the conference will serve as a platform to enhance exchanges, strengthen cooperation and increase the international profile of Heze.

Heze boasts the country's largest base for peony cultivation, research, sales and exports. This base has an area of more than 8,000 hectares that is used to grow more than 1,000 varieties of peonies.

As peony flowers look their best in April, the city is hosting a series of activities to promote sightseeing and related flower businesses.

The peony is regarded as a symbol of wealth, auspiciousness, happiness, and prosperity in China. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]