Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

If there were a vote for a national flower, the peony would undoubtedly be one of the most acclaimed contenders.

Heze, Shandong province, produces a variety of peonies that are traded across the nation.

To raise its profile as a major peony cultivation base and tourism destination, Heze is hosting an exhibition at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, themed on the peony, which runs until April 8.