Heze in East China's Shandong, known as China's Peony capital, is home to 1,308 peony varieties across nine color series and 10 flower types.
The 2026 Heze Peony Festival in Heze, Shandong province, celebrated the city's signature flower, where Samar Kerkeni, a foreign expert with China Daily Website, embarked on an immersive journey exploring its beauty and charm.
When Tunisian traveler Samar Kerkeni first arrived in Heze, a quiet city tucked away in East China's Shandong province, she expected to see peonies — the country's famed "king of flowers".
Peonies, the national flower of China, have long symbolized elegance and prosperity. Now, they are blooming beyond Earth.
The 2026 Heze Peony International Communication Forum was held on Saturday in Heze, Shandong province, drawing officials, scholars and experts worldwide to discuss how the flower can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange.
