The 2026 World Peony Conference and the 35th Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival officially kicked off in Heze, East China's Shandong province, on April 10, with satellite venues in Kyrgyzstan and the National Art Museum of China.

The 2026 World Peony Conference and the 35th Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival opens in Heze, East China's Shandong province, on April 10. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This year's conference features a series of forums, including the 2026 Heze Peony International Communication Forum, a forum on the development of the fine brush peony painting industry, and a forum on the high-quality development of the hanfu industry. These events aim to foster collaboration in brand building, cultural exploration, and industrial advancement, while bringing Heze's peony industry onto the global stage.

Li Xiaolong, vice-governor of Shandong, said at the opening ceremony that Heze has created a complete peony industrial chain spanning cultivation, processing, tourism, and cultural creativity. "We hope that all guests will take this opportunity to forge strong connections, engage in meaningful discussions, and work together to promote the high-quality growth of the peony industry," Li said.

Performers take the stage at Caozhou Peony Garden, bringing traditional dances to life amid a sea of blooming peonies. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Sun Bo, deputy director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, noted that Heze's tourism sector is embracing innovative business models and new experience opportunities, shifting from traditional sightseeing to leisure vacations and immersive, in-depth experiences. 

According to Zhang Lun, Party secretary of Heze, the city has organized more than 30 signature events for the festival, including peony exhibitions and flower competitions. New participatory activities such as flower-decorated floats, floral boats, and hanfu parades have also been added.

Peonies bloom in full splendor in Heze. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Heze has a long history of peony cultivation, dating back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618).  Today, the city's peonies span nine major color groups and 1,308 varieties. Heze has become the world’s largest base for peony cultivation, research, export, and ornamental display, both in terms of planting area and varietal diversity.