The 2024 Heze Peony International Communication Forum kicks off on April 12 in Heze, East China's Shandong province. This year's forum marks the launch of Heze's "Peonies Overseas Initiative", an ambitious endeavor to elevate Heze's reputation as the "Peony Capital of China" and share this unique cultural heritage with the world.

At the heart of the initiative lies the establishment of overseas peony gardens, leveraging Heze's position as the world's largest peony production, breeding, and export base. In recognition of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria, Heze will collaborate with local authorities to build a peony garden in the autumn of 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Marking the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties, Heze will capitalize on the influence of the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum in Malacca, Malaysia, to establish a peony culture overseas communication station. This station will serve as a hub for promoting Heze's peony heritage and fostering bilateral cultural exchange.

The "Peonies in Full Bloom" awards, which are open to global participation, will continue this year, inviting art, calligraphy, photography, and other creative submissions centered on the peony.

The initiative also includes the second phase of the "World National Flowers" Series of Chinese gongbi paintings, showcasing the unique charm of national flowers from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative through the art of traditional gongbi paintings (meticulous paintings).

The Peony Garden Construction Project in Bulgaria is unveiled at the 2024 Heze Peony International Communication Forum on April 12. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Unveiling Ceremony of the Peony Cultural Communication Station (Malacca).  [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]