Dianjiang Peony Culture Festival

Of all the flowers in Asia, peony is one of my favorite. Not only because of its huge full-bloom size that is very appealing in my Instagram photos, but actually because it also signifies an important meaning.

In China the peony is known as the king of flowers or the flower of riches and honour and symbolizes wealth and distinction. Provided the peony becomes vibrant and alive, full of beautiful flowers and green leaves, it is also an omen of good fortune. Chinese peony paintings of are often hung in the home for good luck and in the office for good business.

Peony farm in Dianjian County in Chongqing – photo credit: @lt45358132 Instagram

This year, the Dianjiang County in Chongqing celebrated its 20th Peony Culture Festival last March 29th. When it comes to the peony, many people may think of the period of the Tang Dynasty (618–907) of China. A poem written by Liu Yuxi, a famous poet from the Tang Dynasty, reads, "Only the peony is really a national beauty with its bloom shocking the capital." The peony is also hailed as the "King of Flowers" due to its large size and pleasant fragrance.

Photo credit: @_prprprprpr Instagram

There are hundreds of varieties of peonies, among which the Landscape Peony grown in Dianjiang, Chongqing, China, is the most unique. The Ornamental Peony is mostly cultivated artificially, but the Landscape Peony, which grows naturally in the wild, is a decorative plant and is also well known for its medicinal properties.

Photo credit: @kateshkvar and @alliebast

Dianjiang boasts a peony-planting history of nearly 2,000 years, beginning during the reign of Liu Che/Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty, hence some people call it the "Birthplace of Chinese Peony".

(map)

The unique climate and geological conditions of Dianjiang make it the most suitable place in Southwest China for peony to grow. The period from late March to early April of every year is the best time to appreciate the peony in Dianjiang, as well as Dianjiang Peony Culture Festival will be held every year at the same time. More than 60 species of peonies, covering an area of over 13.3 square kilometers, will bloom in the three most important scenic spots: Kaizhi Mountain Tourist Area, Huaxia Peony Garden, and Peony and Cherry Blossoms World.

In addition to the famous Landscape Peony, Kaizhi Mountain Tourist Area is also full of exciting recreation facilities such as the "Spring of Shouting", "Shaking Bridge", "Rainbow Slideway" and others. Additionally, the "Stone-Ground Tofu" is a well known culinary specialty of Dianjiang. A process of 7 strict steps and a seasoning routine that involves 24 kinds of condiments makes this dish taste distinctive and allows it to boast qualities such as tenderness and glossiness. Certainly, Dianjiang County is worthy of traveling to for its landscapes, tourism attractions and delicious cuisine.

Come and visit Dianjiang County!

xoxo, Blair

Shreya SahaMay 15, 2019 at 2:20 PM
I was never aware of this festival, in fact I wasn't aware of Dianjiang. I am surely going to visit Chongqing keeping this festival in mind to have such beautiful pictures with flowers. Great to see you had a great time there.
Sinjana GhoshMay 16, 2019 at 1:16 AM
This is so cool. Thepeony flowers are absolutely delightful. I love such cultural insights to distant lands. The photos make me want to visit there.
Myles NystromMay 16, 2019 at 3:58 AM
That looks like an amazing festival! I'd love to travel and see it. Looks like a lot of fun!
AnonymousMay 16, 2019 at 4:52 AM
I enjoy the beauty of flower festivals and can see why they are named King of them all! So strikingly vibrant and colorful!
Wander Women AbroadMay 16, 2019 at 5:03 AM
This looks like such an awesome event! I hope I can expereince this myself one day. Thanks for sharing this! I had never heard about this before
UnknownMay 16, 2019 at 11:58 AM
What a great idea for a post! Peonies are gorgeous; I had no idea there was a festival for them. I love that you included the history - I had no idea that poets had written about them.
EmilyMay 17, 2019 at 12:33 AM
I never knew peonies were so important in China!! They are gorgeous and i would love to visit a field of them some day!
Gian and SheilaMay 17, 2019 at 12:56 AM
So beautiful out there, especially the scenery. Somehow though, sans the shrines and blossoms, the view reminds me of some parts of Cebu's highlands.
Sandy N VyjayMay 17, 2019 at 9:44 AM
Peony Culture Festival sounds really interesting. The flower looks so beautiful and big. They must look great when growing in huge farms. Such a colourful and beautiful sight. The culture associated with the flowers too is really interesting.
Eden FiteMay 17, 2019 at 12:37 PM
I've been reading so much about flower festivals lately I'm really starting to feel I'm missing out. Hopefully I can get to one next year. Those Peonies sure make for good photos too.
UnknownMay 17, 2019 at 6:07 PM
As I look at these photos I can nearly smell the flowers. I would love to wander around the festival. The Stone ground tofu caught my attention too- what kind of flavor is it? Sounds delicious!
UnknownMay 17, 2019 at 8:27 PM
Great photos! I travel in Latin America mostly, and, visit the flower festival in Medellin every year! Colombia exports flower all around the world. It's great to see other countries do this too as there is so many different varieties.
Thelittlelai: Beyond limitsMay 18, 2019 at 7:35 AM
Wow, who would have thought that this beautiful peony flower has something to do with the history of Dianjiang? Personally, I find it very interesting and stunning as well, especially the color. It looks like a perfect flower to add in my flower vase in the office. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
AmritaMay 19, 2019 at 4:46 PM
Wow, these peony are really beautiful and I can understand why you love them so much in your IG pics. I had never heard of the Peony culture Festival. It sounds quite amazing. The event will be perfect to visit Dianjiang and enjoy its culture and cuisines.
AnaMay 20, 2019 at 1:25 PM
I had no idea of peony farm and that peonies landscape picture looks absolutely splendid. Thanks Blair for sharing the history about Peony. Dianjiang Peony Culture Festival sounds like a beautiful experience!