Hey everyone! The 2025 World Peony Conference and the 34th Heze International Peony Culture and Tourism Festival kicked off in Heze City, east China's Shandong Province – a celebrated hub known as China's peony capital. This vibrant event honors a symbol of national prosperity while spotlighting peonies as cultural ambassadors bridging global traditions.
Peonies are more than just flowers; they represent wealth, honor, and a shared cultural heritage. Artists from various countries gathered to chat about how this iconic bloom charms diverse communities worldwide. 🌸
One inspiring story comes from Shi Zhenshan, a Heze native recognized as a "folk arts and crafts master" by UNESCO and the Chinese Folk Artists Association. Starting his dough sculpture journey at the age of eight under his father's guidance, Shi has devoted over 60 years to perfecting his craft. Since settling in Los Angeles in 2006, he has creatively combined traditional artistry with modern flair. As he puts it, "Americans love peonies," a nod to how this timeless art form continues to flourish across continents. 😊
In today’s fast-paced world, Heze’s peony dough art is a perfect blend of ancient tradition and contemporary creativity—a beautiful reminder that art can bridge cultures and transcend borders.
Reference(s):
Peonies across cultures: Heze peony dough blooms in Los Angeles
cgtn.com
