Peonies across cultures: Friendship blooms as Heze peonies flower in the 'Land of Roses'

As China and Bulgaria mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, Heze City in Shandong Province – the "peony capital" – has transplanted 280 peony plants to Sofia's South Park, the Bulgarian capital's largest urban green space, sharing this iconic Chinese cultural treasure with the world. Six months later, how have these Chinese peonies adapted to their new home in the "Land of Roses"?

In the video, Milena Vaseva, Director of the Municipal Enterprise "Parks and City Gardens" of Sofia and landscape architect Stavri Fotev guide us through the peony garden, celebrating 75 years of Sino-Bulgarian friendship, sharing stories of cultural connection between the "peony capital" and the "Land of Roses," using flowers as cultural ambassadors.  

"The language of nature and beauty is universal," says Vaseva. "The garden is creating lasting and beautiful friendships between Heze and Sofia, as well as between Bulgaria and China; anyone who loves nature, beauty and flowers is welcome here in May," she added.