The artistic performances on the day were splendid, with more than ten programmes involving intangible cultural heritage items such as Huadeng opera, and Qi opera. At the same time, there were square dances, callisthenics, and cheongsam shows. Folk cultural performances such as rolling iron rings, making sesame candies and glutinous rice cakes, and fluffing cotton also aroused many people’s childhood memories.

 

 

Local specialties like Lingyun Tofu, Tanping Noodles, and Wensheng Cucumber were full of fragrance, attracting a large number of foodies. “I have my hands full, and I never thought business would be so good.” Li Benzhi, a villager from Lingyun Village, said that his sales of tofu were much higher than he expected, and his gross income for the day reached 1,600 yuan.

 

At Limufeng Peony Base, the main venue of the event, the fragrance of blooming peonies is refreshing and intoxicating. The colourful peonies are competing with each other in different gestures. When the breeze blows, the flowering branches sway, like peony fairies showing beautiful dances.

 

 

The Limufeng Peony Base is located in Limufeng Village, Tanping Town. In May 2019, the Jiahe Liangsheng Peony Planting Specialized Cooperative was established. Over the past three years, the base has cultivated more than 120 mu (80 hectares) of different peony varieties, providing jobs for nearly 100 people and further promoted villagers’ income growth.

 

Peony, known as the national flower and “King of Flowers”, is elegant and magnificent. All parts of peonies are valuable. The roots of the flowers can be used as medicinal herbs, with effects such as decreasing internal heat and blood pressure. The stamens can be made into flower tea, and peony essential oil can be extracted after the flower seeds have ripened.

 

 

An official of Tanping Town stated that in the next step, they will continue to develop characteristic planting and modern tourism agriculture according to local conditions, and promote the integration of rural tourism and agricultural industry to increase farmers’ income and boost rural revitalization.