Peony festival opens in Shandong county

The seventh Aishan Mountain Peony Tourism Festival opened on April 15 in Dong'e county – located in East China's Shandong province – as the region moves to promote the integration of its Yellow River culture and tourism.

A crisp morning view of a field of wonderful peonies in Dong'e county. [Photo by Hou Changming provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Aishan Mountain scenic spot is located on the banks of the Yellow River and at the foot of Aishan Mountain. With over 20 varieties of ornamental peonies in nine major color varieties, it is a cherished tourist area in the western Shandong region that combines the wonders of the Yellow River, forests, peonies and cultural attractions.

To attract more tourists, the region is making concerted efforts to improve its tourism infrastructure, boost the experiences of visitors and establish five major areas for flower viewing, fruit picking, fishing, children's amusements and Chinese herbal medicine planting.

A tourist from Jinan surnamed Li said he found out online that Dong'e was going to hold the tourism festival in the Aishan Mountain scenic spot, so he drove his family there. He added that the festive atmosphere, elegant peonies and magnificent Yellow River gave him and his family an unforgettable experience.

"This is the first time that I've attended the Dong'e Peony Tourism Festival and I found it amazing," Li said.

"I want to encourage my relatives and friends to travel here, to climb Aishan Mountain, admire the peonies and take a sightseeing journey of the Yellow River," he added. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)