Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

If there were a vote for a national flower, the peony would undoubtedly be one of the most acclaimed contenders.

Heze, Shandong province, produces a variety of peonies that are traded across the nation.

To raise its profile as a major peony cultivation base and tourism destination, Heze is hosting an exhibition at the National Art Museum of Chinain Beijing, themed on the peony, which runs until April 8.

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The exhibition,Peony Blossoms, displays a selection of artworks by prominent painters alongside works made by artists from Heze and across Shandong, including amateurs who were once farmers.

Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show in the exhibition halls and outside the museum's compound to add vivid spring vibes to the capital city.

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected artworks by prominent painters are shown alongside those made by artists in Shandong province to celebrate Heze as a peony cultivation hub. Pots of blooming peonies from Heze are also on show. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Editor：Cao Xiaoxu