Luoyang Peony Culture Festival

Background

The custom of admiring peonies in Luoyang can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties. Luoyang has held a peony fair every year since 1983; in 2010 it was upgraded to a national-level festival, and the peony fair has been inscribed on China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Legend has it that Empress Wu Zetian ordered all flowers to bloom in the depths of winter, and only the peony refused, so it was banished to Luoyang. The main venue, Wangcheng Park, is on Zhongzhou Middle Road, and gardens such as Luoyang National Peony Garden, Shenzhou Peony Garden, and China National Flower Garden open at the same time. Gardens in the city usually reach full bloom in mid-April, while those on the outskirts bloom a little later and can last into early May. Famous varieties such as Yaohuang, Weizi, and Luoyanghong open in succession, and the gardens often host peony viewing in hanfu and peony-themed cultural performances.

Local customs

• Tour several gardens to see famous varieties such as Yaohuang, Weizi, and Luoyanghong
• take photos among the flowers in hanfu
• watch peony-themed cultural performances
• visit the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple nearby

Travel tips

• The festival usually opens in early April and its peony events continue into early May. Bloom times vary by garden: city gardens mostly peak in mid-April, and gardens on the outskirts bloom a little later. The 2027 start and end dates are subject to official announcement. Wangcheng Park is in the city and can be reached by bus or taxi
• crowds peak between Qingming and the May Day holiday, so try to avoid weekends and public holidays. Ticket prices are subject to official announcement.

2027 schedule

• The 2027 Peony Culture Festival is expected to open in early April and run into early May
• exact dates are pending official announcement.