Foreign visitors from 15 partner countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative pose for a group photo during their trip in Yuncheng, Shandong province, on Nov 13. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Inside the museum, Mohammad Isina marveled at the display of peony culture in every form, sniffing peony-scented sachets and weighing delicate peony porcelain — proof that a 1,500-year-old botanical passion can still inspire a lifestyle.

At the paper-cutting table, culture heritage inheritor Zhang Lu folded crimson sheets into symmetrical blossoms symbolizing good fortune. Across the room, lacquer plates and bracelets gleamed with peony motifs, showing how Shandong's handicrafts keep a tradition alive by giving it a new skin.

Ju Guangshan turned each visitor's name into a miniature ecosystem of petals, birds, fish and dragonflies through his calligraphy.

Noorllah reflected on the trip, saying it was more than just a tour, it was a journey that brought home a bouquet of new friendships.