 |
| A woman poses for photos in the sea of peonies at the Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace on Saturday. [Chinadaily.com.cn] |
The 2026 Peony Garden Festival commenced at the Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace, also known as the Imperial Ancestor Temple (Taimiao), on Saturday.
Running through April 25, the event gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a cultural celebration that intertwines floral appreciation with traditional performances, a stamp-collection game and a creative cultural market.
The festival features more than 3,000 peony plants, encompassing 30 varieties. Among the highlights are around 10 rare black peonies, along with two newly-cultivated varieties on public display for the first time.
According to Shu Qingyan, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Botany, all nine wild peony species in the world are native to China, making them a unique resource. Since the 18th century, these wild species have been introduced to countries worldwide, serving as the biological foundation for thousands of hybrid cultivars.
The peonies at the Working People’s Cultural Palace are arranged in two different ways, with blossoms set against the site's iconic Ming-style red walls, forming a picturesque scene of traditional Chinese aesthetics, while many flowers thrive under the lush canopy of ancient trees, where the shaded environment protects delicate petals from wilting under direct sunlight.
There was a diverse lineup for opening day, including performers from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, the Beijing Quyi Troupe, and the Golden Sail Wind Band of Shijia Primary School.
During the festival, horticultural experts are offering guided tours at 10:40 AM and 2:40 PM daily, during which they will talk about peony varieties, cultivation techniques and their historical significance in Chinese culture.
A number of institutions, including Art Exhibitions China and various creative studios, are participating in the cultural fair, showcasing intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and themed souvenirs.
(Source: Chinadaily.com.cn)
Editor: Wang Shasha
