Peonies in bloom: A cultural bridge links Shandong, Malaysia

A cultural event celebrating the peony opened at the Ken Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Dec 9.

Titled Blooming Silk Road, Painting Prosperity Together, the exhibition marks the Malaysian stop of the global tour of Juye gongbi (meticulous strokes) peony paintings from Heze, Shandong. This initiative blends the Eastern elegance of this intangible cultural heritage with Malaysia's multicultural charm, adding a vibrant chapter to China-Malaysia cultural exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative.

In his speech, Leong Tuck Chee, member of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, welcomed the exhibition, noting that it reflects the deep friendship between the two nations and showcases how culture enriches lives.

"From painted peonies to Hanfu attire, culture is no longer a silent exhibit but an active force integrated into contemporary life," he said.

Liang praised Heze's efforts in transforming cultural resources into tangible industries and brands, providing an example of telling China's stories and offering Malaysian youth a window into the depth of Chinese culture. He expressed hope that the exhibition would deepen cooperation across various fields.

Cao Lin, head of the city's publicity department, emphasized that civilizations thrive through exchange and mutual learning.

"We hope the peony can serve as a cultural messenger, allowing the delicate strokes of Eastern aesthetics to meet the vibrant colors of Southeast Asia, enabling more friends in Malaysia to appreciate the cultural heritage and vitality embodied by the peony," Cao stated.

Following the opening ceremony, guests and visitors explored an art gallery featuring 40 Juye peony paintings, 30 meticulous floral paintings from around the world, and over 20 peony-themed cultural and creative products — a true cross-cultural dialogue through ink and color. (Edited by Xie Zhenzhen)

A cultural event celebrating the peony opens at the Ken Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Dec 9. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]