Guide to the Peony Industry in Heze, China
Heze, located in Shandong Province, is widely recognized as the “Peony Capital of China.” With a history of over 1,500 years in peony cultivation, it plays a central role in the global peony industry. Today, Heze is home to the largest peony growing base in China, with peony-related industries spanning agriculture, tourism, medicine, cosmetics, and cultural products.
1. Historical Background
Origins: Peony cultivation in Heze dates back to the Sui and Tang Dynasties (6th–10th century), flourishing during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Cultural Prestige: Historically admired by emperors and poets, the peony is known in China as the "King of Flowers" and symbolizes wealth, honor, and prosperity.
2. Scale and Scope
Plantation Area: Over 30,000 hectares of peony plantations are spread across Heze and its neighboring counties.
Varieties: More than 1,200 peony varieties are grown, including traditional Chinese tree peonies and newer herbaceous hybrids.
Production:
Fresh Cut Flowers: Exported to Europe, Japan, and North America.
Roots and Seeds: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Cosmetics and Food: Peony root extract is used in skincare; peony seed oil is a rising health product.
3. Economic Impact
Agriculture: Peony cultivation provides income for thousands of farming households.
Industry Integration: Peony-based products have become a key part of Heze’s rural revitalization strategy.
Tourism Revenue: Annual peony festivals attract over 3 million visitors and generate significant economic activity.
4. Cultivation Practices
Climate: Heze’s continental climate—with cold winters and hot summers—is ideal for peony growth.
Soil: Loamy, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH are preferred.
Techniques:
Traditional field planting for tree peonies.
Greenhouse and cold storage techniques for off-season blooming.
Tissue culture and grafting for propagation.
5. Cultural Significance
Heze Peony Festival: Held each April, featuring floral exhibitions, cultural performances, and trade fairs.
Art and Literature: The peony is a recurring theme in Chinese poetry, painting, and opera.
Symbolism: Considered a national flower candidate due to its cultural weight.
6. Innovation and Research
Institutions: Heze has research centers focusing on breeding, genetics, and product development.
New Applications:
Peony oil with high unsaturated fatty acid content.
Bioactive compounds used in pharmaceuticals and skincare.
7. Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
Need for modernization and mechanization in farming.
Competition from other regions and countries.
Climate change impacting flowering times.
Opportunities:
Expanding global demand for ornamental and medicinal plants.
Development of tourism and experiential agriculture.
E-commerce and international branding.
8. Visiting Heze
Best Time to Visit: Mid-April during the Peony Festival.
Key Attractions:
Caozhou Peony Garden
Shandong Peony International Expo Garden
Heze Peony Research Institute
Heze's peony industry is a rich blend of agriculture, culture, and innovation. With its deep historical roots and expanding global influence, it stands as a symbol of both China's floral heritage and its rural economic potential.
