[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2024 Heze World Peony Conference and the 33rd Heze International Peony Culture and Tourism Festival are set to kick off on April 8 in Heze, Shandong province.

Renowned as the "hometown of peonies," Heze boasts the world's largest peony cultivation and research center. Fertile soil and a perfect climate make it ideal for growing these stunning flowers. It currently has 10 peony gardens, including the Caozhou Peony Garden – the largest and most diverse peony garden in the world. In 2023 alone, the city boasted an impressive 1,308 peony varieties.

As the city's main tourist attraction, the peony festival is a dazzling spectacle that brings the flower's beauty to life. The peony has become a symbol of Heze, and the city is now ready to share its charm with the world.

With open arms, Heze invites visitors to embrace the arrival of spring and immerse themselves in a sea of peonies. This year's festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the best of Heze's culture and hospitality.