Heze Peonies- the king of flowers

Heze Peonies

The history of Heze peonies (菏泽牡丹) can be traced back over 1,500 years, making Heze in Shandong Province one of China's most renowned centers for peony cultivation and culture. Known as the "Peony Capital of China," Heze's association with these flowers flourished during the Sui (581–618 CE) and Tang (618–907 CE) dynasties, when peonies were first cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. By the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, Heze (then called Caozhou) had become a national hub for peony breeding, with artisans developing unique varieties celebrated for their vibrant colors, large blossoms, and cultural symbolism.

Peonies from Heze were historically prized by imperial courts and literati, symbolizing prosperity, nobility, and beauty in Chinese art and poetry. Today, Heze remains a global leader in peony production, cultivating over 1,200 varieties across 25,000+ hectares. The city hosts the annual Heze International Peony Festival, attracting millions of visitors each April. Additionally, Heze peonies account for 80% of China's peony exports, serving as both an economic pillar and a cultural ambassador, embodying China's enduring botanical heritage. Modern advancements in hybridization and cold-storage technology now enable year-round global distribution of these "king of flowers" (花中之王).