Peony, known as "Mu Dan" in Chinese, is the national flower of China. 

Peony represents wealth and prosperity and it is also considered as the "king of flowers." It could bloom and grow in dry and cold places. Known for its variety of styles and colors, peony is the top choice of flower arrangers.

The style of flower arranging varies from places to place. Ren Xueling, who teaches traditional peony arranging, uses only freshly picked flowers. She carefully trims flower stems and put them in a flower foam, using Yulan magnolia as decoration.

"Traditional Chinese flower arranging is all about flowing into the serenity and making peace with nature," she said, adding that "Flower arranging is not only about the flower, the final product shall blend with everything around it and not be a spike in the eye."

Chinese floral art dates back to the Sui Dynasty, it was initially used for Buddha worshiping, and later developed into a flower arrangement art. It became very popular in the Tang Dynasty within royals and riches and was used in front of the altars in temples. In the early Song Dynasty, flower arrangement was popular among common people and became one of the four folk arts. It was loved and appreciated by literati and is mentioned in many Ming Dynasty poems.

The International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 will be held in Beijing's Yanqing District from April 29 to October 7. The event's site spans 1,050 square meters, and over 16 million visitors are expected to be there. Follow CGTN to know more about this grand celebration of the planet's floral treasures.