In order to welcome more tourists, Yang Dongbo, director of the Heze Tourism Bureau, dressed in hanfu and visited the Heze High-speed Railway. Photo: web

Heze city in East China's Shandong Province, formerly known as Caozhou, has been known as the "Peony Capital of the World" since ancient times. According to public reports, the cultivation of peonies in Heze began in the Sui Dynasty (581-618). It became the cultivation center of peonies in China with a history of more than 1,500 years. In spring, in addition to the peonies that arrive on time, Heze welcomes the annual Peony Festival from April 1 to May 15. 

For this Peony Festival, Heze has carefully organized 43 themed activities, including literary performances, intangible cultural heritage, art exhibitions, traditional Chinese experiences, rural tourism, and other formats. At the same time, Heze has fully integrated the city's cultural and tourism resources, establishing 15 high-quality tourist routes, and showcasing the unique cultural features of peonies.

In order to welcome more tourists, Yang Dongbo, director of the Heze Tourism Bureau, dressed in hanfu and visited the Heze High-speed Railway Station to give peony flowers and tourism guides to passing tourists, inviting them to enjoy Heze. 

"Heze people are very enthusiastic, and they are known for generously giving whatever they have. It is hoped that Heze can become the next popular tourist city, like Zibo, during the Peony Festival," one netizen said.