[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

There were flowers aplenty as the 2024 Heze Peony International Communication Forum kicked off on April 12 in the city of Heze – located in East China's Shandong province. The event is bringing together experts, academics and media representatives from around the world to explore the captivating world of peony flowers cultivated there and their cultural significance.

In a video address, David Ferguson, honorary chief English editor of the Foreign Languages Press and CICG Recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, extended warm greetings to the forum's participants.

He shared his insights into the Heze peony industry and the profound significance of peonies in international cultural exchanges.

Watch this video to learn more.