The 2025 Heze Peony International Communication Forum & Seminar on Yellow River Stories was held in Heze, China on April 10. Bringing together diplomats and scholars from over 30 countries, the event fostered cross-cultural dialogue through the lens of Yellow River civilization and peony culture.
Du Zhanyuan, President of the China International Communications Group, emphasized the importance of drawing wisdom from the rich and diverse civilizations of various countries to foster harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, thereby advancing the building of a global community of shared future.
Bai Yugang, Head of the Publicity Department of CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, expressed anticipation to forge stronger consensus, deepen friendships, and enhance cooperation with individuals from all sectors toward jointly promoting prosperity and development.
The Yellow River and peonies are not just symbols of China's past; they are vibrant elements of its present and future，said Prof. Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, in his video speech for the forum.
The peony is an important symbol in Chinese culture, representing auspicious prosperity while embodying people's aspirations for a better life. As China’s peony capital, Heze is the vital nexus for peony culture, with a 1,500 years history of peony cultivation, boasting 1,308 registered cultivars and world-class industries originated from peonies.
This floral diplomacy has translated into tangible economic impacts. With 6 billion peony saplings exported to more than 30 countries over decades, Heze commands 70% of global peony trade volume. The peony sector has generated 500,000 jobs, achieving an annual output value of 13 billion RMB in 2024.
Media Contact
Company Name: Center for International Cultural Communication of China International Communications Group (CICC)
Contact Person: Jiang Hui
Email: Send Email
Country: China
Website: http://www.heychinaculture.com/
