HEZE, China, April 11 — Officials, cultural leaders and international guests gathered in eastern China’s Shandong province on Saturday for the 2026 Heze Peony International Communication Forum, an event aimed at promoting cross-cultural dialogue through the symbolism and heritage of the peony.
Held under the theme “Peonies in Bloom Across Continents, Shared Beauty of Civilizations,” the forum positioned the flower as a cultural bridge, with organizers emphasizing the role of storytelling, innovation and collaboration in expanding global understanding of Chinese traditions.
Senior officials from national and provincial bodies addressed the forum, calling for renewed efforts to present traditional culture in ways that resonate with contemporary global audiences. Speakers highlighted the need to combine cultural heritage with modern communication tools, including digital and AI-driven platforms, to broaden international reach.
A key message throughout the event was the importance of translating cultural symbols into shared human narratives. Organizers stressed that the peony — long associated with prosperity and harmony in Chinese culture — offers a lens through which global audiences can engage with broader themes such as the relationship between humanity and nature.
Provincial representatives noted that Shandong has been working to strengthen its international cultural profile, with Heze — often referred to as China’s “Peony Capital” — playing a central role. The forum, now an annual platform, has grown in both scale and influence, reflecting wider efforts to integrate regional culture into global discourse.
Local officials said the city aims to further develop the “Peony +” model, linking culture with tourism, creative industries and international exchange. Plans include expanding overseas outreach and fostering partnerships that bring both Chinese culture abroad and international cultural elements into Heze.
The forum featured a mix of cultural and academic programming, including keynote speeches, a roundtable discussion on the global interpretation of peony symbolism, and the screening of a thematic short film. A cross-cultural musical performance blending traditional Chinese guzheng with international instrumentation drew particular attention.
Organizers also unveiled new initiatives, including cultural product exchanges, a promotional program for a “Global National Flower Garden,” and a project described as the “Voice of Peony from Space,” aimed at combining cultural expression with technological exploration.
Diplomats and representatives from countries including Nepal, Cambodia and Brazil attended the event, alongside scholars, industry experts and media organizations from China and abroad.
As China continues to expand its international communication strategies, events such as the Heze forum illustrate a broader shift toward using cultural narratives — rather than purely economic or political messaging — to engage global audiences.
