Painters exchange ideas on the meticulous painting creation of peonies at a painting and calligraphy institute in Longgu Town, Juye County, Heze City, east China's Shandong Province, June 2, 2025. The Yellow River, which flows through Heze, not only shapes the hallmark of the city in central China, but also nurtures the peonies with beauty and fragrance, creating a flower city with water charm.
As the "peony capital of China", the peony planting in Heze can be traced back to the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907). At present, the city has bred 1,308 varieties of peonies. [Xinhua/Guo Xulei]
A staff member introduces Mamianqun, or horse-face skirt, a long, pleated traditional Chinese skirt, to visitors at a Hanfu base in Caoxian County of Heze City, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2025. [Xinhua/Guo Xulei]
Flower farmers showcase different varieties of peony flowers at a production base of fresh cut peonies in Dutang Town, Dingtao District, Heze City, east China's Shandong Province, April 9, 2025. [Xinhua/Guo Xulei]
A model presents Hanfu on the stage during a Hanfu launch event in Caoxian County of Heze City, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2025. [Xinhua/Guo Xulei]
An aerial drone photo taken on June 21, 2025 shows a view of Zhaowanghe wetland park in Heze City, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Guo Xulei]
Visitors pose for photos at a peony garden in Heze City, east China's Shandong Province, April 8, 2025. [Xinhua/Guo Xulei]
