The 2025 Peony International Communication Forum opened Wednesday in Heze, a city in Shandong Province on the Chinese mainland known for its peony cultivation. Diplomats, artists, and scholars from over 30 countries and regions gathered to discuss how the iconic flower—a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture—can deepen international understanding through art exhibitions, academic panels, and cross-cultural collaborations.
Organizers highlighted the peony\u2019s historical role as a \u201ccultural ambassador\u201d along ancient trade routes, drawing parallels to modern soft-power initiatives. \u201cFrom Tang Dynasty poetry to contemporary eco-tourism, the peony transcends borders,\u201d said one scholar during a panel on floral symbolism in Asian art.
Business stakeholders emphasized the economic potential of peony-linked industries, including botanical research and sustainable agriculture. Meanwhile, attendees explored Heze\u2019s peony gardens, underscoring the event\u2019s dual focus on cultural preservation and global engagement.
