Peonies are in full bloom at Caozhou Peony Garden in Heze, Shandong province. [Photo by Zhao Ruixue/chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2026 World Peony Conference and the 35th Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival kicked off on Friday in Heze, Shandong province, showcasing the city's rich peony culture and industry.

Heze now cultivates 1,308 peony varieties across nine color groups and 10 flower forms, underscoring its status as a major base for peony production and innovation in China.