Have you ever seen a peony? 🌸 It’s a big, beautiful flower that’s super important in China. People even call it “the king of flowers” because of its bright colors and rich history. Let’s explore how this amazing flower is spreading joy across China and the world!
Peony Festivals: A Springtime Celebration
Every April, when peonies burst into bloom, cities like Heze in Shandong Province and Luoyang in Henan Province host exciting peony festivals. Imagine fields filled with colorful flowers as far as you can see! 😍 These festivals attract lots of visitors who come to admire the peonies’ splendor, take awesome photos, and enjoy fun activities. They also help local businesses like shops and restaurants grow.
More Than Just a Pretty Flower
Peonies aren’t just nice to look at—they have lots of other cool uses!
- Medicinal Roots: Peony roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with various health issues.
- Tasty Teas: The petals can be brewed into delicious and fragrant teas. 🍵
- Seed Oil and Skincare: Peony seeds produce oil that’s used in cooking and in making skincare products.
Boosting the Economy
In Heze, Shandong Province, peonies are a big deal. Millions of these flowers are grown there, and they aren’t just sold in China—they’re shipped all over the world! 🌍 This blooming business helps the local economy in a big way. In fact, in 2024, the peony industry in Heze was worth 13 billion yuan (about $1.8 billion) and created over 500,000 jobs. That’s a lot of people working thanks to peonies!
Peonies Around the Globe
Every year, millions of peony seedlings and over 260 kinds of peony products are sent to many countries and regions. These include seed oil, tea, and skincare items. So, the next time you see a peony or use a product made from it, you’ll know it’s part of a global peony adventure!
The Flower That Keeps on Giving
The peony is more than just a flower—it’s a symbol of beauty, culture, and growth. It brings happiness to people in China and far beyond. Maybe someday you’ll get to see these stunning flowers in person or enjoy one of the many products made from them! 🌸
Reference(s):
How does the peony industry bloom around China and the world?
cgtn.com
