A delegation of 27 journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean recently immersed themselves in the cultural tapestry of Luoyang's iconic peonies during a special tour to China's Henan province. The group, representing media outlets from Brazil to Barbados, explored the Luoyang National Peony Garden on April 21 as part of the CGTN-organized 'Journey to Chinese Civilization' program.
Walking through fields of vibrant blooms, participants learned how peonies evolved from imperial symbols during the Tang Dynasty to modern cultural ambassadors. 'These flowers tell stories about China's history we've never heard before,' remarked a journalist from Argentina, noting how the tour revealed connections between floriculture and traditional Chinese values like prosperity and peace.
The visit comes as Luoyang's annual peony festival drives cultural tourism and economic growth in central China. Local horticulturalists demonstrated innovative cultivation techniques supporting the $32 million peony industry, which now extends to cosmetics and traditional medicine production.
For business professionals tracking China's rural revitalization strategies, the event highlighted how cultural assets become economic drivers. Academics noted the delegation's engagement underscores growing global interest in China's living traditions beyond urban centers.
