Heze is blooming with more than just gorgeous flowers. In this vibrant city known as "the peony capital of China," local entrepreneur Li Xiaoqi is turning dreams into reality. After graduating from China Agricultural University in 2000, Li returned to his hometown in east China's Shandong Province with a passion for change.
Starting with a modest family field of less than 10 mu, Li expanded operations to cover 2,200 mu. Today, his modern industrial park hosts a seedling breeding center, a fresh-cut flower export processing plant, cold storage facilities, a laboratory, and office spaces. This impressive transformation not only highlights business innovation but also uplifts the local community.
Li's dedication went beyond business growth. By leading hundreds of local farmers to master advanced peony cultivation techniques, he played a pivotal role in alleviating poverty and boosting the overall development of the local agriculture sector. His work demonstrates how tradition and innovation can grow hand in hand.
The excitement continues with the 2025 Heze Peony Festival—a month-long celebration combining the 2025 World Peony Conference and the 34th Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival. With four sub-forums and 29 diverse activities, the festival is set to be a cultural extravaganza, uniting locals and visitors alike in a vibrant showcase of heritage and modern creativity 🌸✨.
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Heze's peony industry boosts development, cultural exchanges
cgtn.com
