In a remarkable journey of innovation and tradition, Li Xiaoqi, a graduate from China Agricultural University, returned to his hometown of Heze City in east China's Shandong Province with a vision to transform a modest family peony field. Starting with less than 10 mu, his dedication expanded the operation to an impressive 2,200 mu and led to the development of a modern peony industrial park.
This state-of-the-art park now houses a seedling and fresh-cut flower export processing plant, a cold storage facility, a laboratory, and office spaces. Under Li's leadership, hundreds of local farmers have embraced advanced peony production and cultivation techniques. Their collective efforts have played a significant role in poverty alleviation and have fueled the transformation of Heze into the renowned "peony capital of China."
The industry in Heze now thrives on four main pillars: seedling breeding, flower cultivation, deep processing, and cultural tourism. This synthesis of modern techniques and cultural heritage is set to shine at the 2025 Heze Peony Festival. Kicking off on Tuesday, this month-long celebration—combining the 2025 World Peony Conference with the 34th Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival—features four sub-forums and 29 diverse activities. The event promises to bring fresh perspectives on agricultural innovation, sustainable cultural exchange, and community empowerment to a global audience.
Reference(s):
Heze's peony industry boosts development, cultural exchanges
cgtn.com
