Luoyang Peony Festival

“The peony of Luoyang is the most beautiful under heaven", as the saying goes. The peony, the emblem flower of Luoyang, is lauded as "queen of flowers with ethereal color and celestial fragrance.” Since the Tang Dynasty no Chinese city has been able to rival Luoyang in growing peonies. Of the 500,000 peony shrubs in 350-odd strains that are cultivated in Luoyang, the yaohuang (Yaos yellow peony) and weizi (Weis purple peony) are the "king"and "queen"of all peonies. The first Luoyang Peony Festival took place on April 15-25 in 1983; since then it has become a major annual event.

During the peony festival, gardens are awash with colorful flowers mostly reds mixed with whites, yellows and purples set against a background of thick, vibrant, dark green leaves, like a myriad of precious stones set in bright, shiny rings. In addition, there are various folk performances staged in the gardens. The main venue of the annual Luoyang Peony Festival is Luoyang National Peony Garden, located in the town of Mongshan on the outskirts of Luoyang. China highlights has listed the following gardens to see the peonies.

Luoyang National Peony Garden

Luoyang National Peony Garden is one of the oldest gardens to grow and reproduce peonies in China. It is divided into North Garden and South Garden. There are over 1 million peony trees of 1,200 different kinds. The peony blooming here is highly reputed for its big flower, flamboyant color, numerous species and lasting florescence.

Blooming date: more than 100 kinds of peonies will first bloom from April 5th to 10th; 500 or so kinds of rare peonies will be in full bloom from April 11th to 20th; other 200 species usually flower late from April 21st to May 4th. The garden is especially famous for the 1600-year-old and 3-meter-high “peony king”.

Shenzhou Peony Garden

Shenzhou Peony Garden is located opposite the White Horse Temple, featuring the special architectural style and landscape garden of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Visitors will see over 30,000 peony trees of 840 kinds in full bloom. The peony garden is divided into five scenic areas including Peony Culture Area, Peony Leisure Area and Peony Viewing Area. The garden also stages fantastic folk cultural performances.

Bloom Date: The initial bloom stage for peonies growing here is around April 9th every year; the middle bloom stage is from April 14th to 20th and the late bloom stage can extend to early May.

Xiyuan Park

Xiyuan Park was built on the site of Xiyuan Ruins, the palace of Emperor Yangdi during the Sui Dynasty. The park accentuates a theme of "watch peonies and appreciate bonsais" and launches many special tour activities related to the theme. Inside the park different kinds of peonies and oddly shaped bonsais are integrated into an exotic world of peony garden work.

Blooming date: early peonies and peony bonsais will be in bloom at the beginning of April. Usually the full bloom stage is around April 16th every year. The late peonies can flower in early May.

There are many full-length variety shows, flower watching, lantern show, exhibitions of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting and photography, symposiums, and business talks. Banquets are arranged for peony admirers, and all kinds of snacks and refreshments are served as well.

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