By Xinyi Li, iChongqing

The Dianjiang Peony Garden, a national AA-rated scenic spot, located in Taiping Town, eight kilometers south in Dianjiang County. As the hometown of Bayu Peony, Taiping Town in Dianjiang County has the flower-planting history of almost 2,000 years. Boasting a planting area of more than 666,67 m², it presents a naturally-formed three-dimensional flower field of peonies. In addition, the garden covers a planting area of 16,67 km², taking the first place in China.

This place usually held some relevant events

Meanwhile, the flowers annually blossom in the middle or end of March and fade in the beginning or end of April. When the hills are adorned with flourishing flowers, the scene is particularly spectacular. Moreover, the varieties of this kind of flower include Taipinghong, Fengshanbai, Fengdanfen, Zibanbai, Fengdan, and Datongmoyu. The flower colors include red, white, pink, pinkish-purple, and purple. The Paeonia suffruticosa called “Two Qiaos” (the name is originated from two beauties in ancient China) is in soft green. There are even two or three varieties growing on one branch.

The flower in the garden

Furthermore, there are mainly ornamental three parks for these flowers. They are the Taiping Lake Peony Boutique Park, Bailing Mountain Peony Art Park and Kaizhi Mountain Peony Cultural Park. The initial flowering period of this kind of flower is from March 25 to 30. And the full blooming period is from March 31 to April 10 (docents are available in the Peony Garden).

The flowering period: March and April

Price: RMB 20-30

Opening hours: 9:00-18:00

Address: Taiping Town, Dianjiang County, Chongqing, China

Transportation:

Departing from downtown Chongqing, it takes about 1.5 hours to arrive at Dianjiang via the Chongqing-Yichang Expressway. You can also take a coach at the Chaotianmen Bus Station or North Square Bus Station of Chongqing Bei (North) Railway Station (Longtousi North Bus Station). There are special vehicles heading for the garden at the Dianjiang County Station and Taiping Town.

Local specialties and delicacies: The local specialties include the root bark of peony tree, peony, dried meat, horn carving, white shaddock, pickled cucumber, and brown bamboo cane. The delicacies are the Chicken with the Root Bark of Peony Tree and Braised Chicken with Chinese Sauerkraut. Stewed Ham with Makino Bamboo Shoots, Roast Lamb with Nan Bamboo, Preserved Meat, Fish in Soup-Stock and Stone-Ground Tofu Pudding are also in the recommendation.