Liuhe Pagoda Culture Park, often referred to as the “Peony Garden of Jiang’nan Area,” dates back to the Wuyue Kingdom era over a thousand years ago. For centuries, this park has nurtured a unique peony culture, preserving the traditional art of growing these exquisite flowers. Today, it boasts more than 230 varieties of peonies across 4,000 square meters, featuring both ground plantings and potted specimens, according to Qianjiang Administration Office of the West Lake Scenic Area. Thanks to this year’s warm winter, nearly 50 varieties have begun to bud earlier than usual, including the best known “Huawang,” “Fugui Mantang,” and “Dazongzi”.

Peonies typically take about one and a half months to transition from early spring sprouting to full bloom, progressing through stages such as initial growth, budding, and early flowering. The first blooms are expected to appear at the end of March or early April, with each flower lasting around 5 to 7 days depending on weather conditions. The blossoms will reach its peak by early April with a breathtaking display of the year.

The 17th Liuhe Pagoda Peony Show will open at the end of March. It will, for the first time, collaborate with the city of Heze, Shandong, to offer a joint flower exhibition, aiming for the exchanges of the two cities on culture, history, and heritage.

Never miss an eye feast here, in springtime.