The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain Rain (谷雨), as the last term in spring, starts on April 20 and ends on May 4. The solar term implies that there is increased rainfall during the period, which is good for the growth of grain. So, it is a good time to get out of the city and experience nature as the weather gets warmer and the view is greener. Peony flowers are in full bloom during the Grain Rain period, and here are some places in Shandong to admire the stunning peony blossoms.

Peony flowers at Quancheng Square in Jinan, capital of Shandong province, recently begin their flowering period, attracting crowds of visitors to enjoy the transient beauty of peony blossoms during early April and late May. Peonies are also called the "Flower of May" and "Dian Chun" in Chinese, which means the end of spring. [Photo/sdswltwx]

Qingdao International Peony Industrial Park, located in Qingdao West Coast New Area, is the largest of its kind in the northern coastal region of the country. It covers a peony planting area of more than 750 mu (50 hectares), and has over 700 peony species in total. [Photo/sdswltwx]

The red, pink, purple, and white peony flowers are now thriving in Zibo People's Park, which looks like a traditional Chinese landscape painting, attracting visitors to stop by and admire their beauty. [Photo/sdswltwx]

An ocean of peony flowers graces the Weifang Botanical Garden in Weifang, East China's Shandong province. The peonies are currently in full bloom, attracting tourists to come and enjoy the flowers and take pictures. [Photo/sdswltwx]

Heze is a city known as "China Peony City", and a major place in the city to appreciate the flower is at the Caozhou Flower Garden. The variety that is more than 400 years old and can produce hundreds of pink flowers each year is the most appealing in the garden. [Photo/sdswltwx]