Luoyang city in central China’s Henan Province, which is known as China’s “city of peonies”, has sealed a deal to export one million cut flowers to Australia, according to the local government.
It will be the first time for the city to export cut flowers in such a large amount, and will bring in a considerable increase to the incomes of local growers.
Peony flowers in blossom in Luoyang city, Henan Province. /VCG Photo
The domestic retail price for each cut flower is three yuan (0.4 US dollars), and after being exported to Australia, the retail price is about 15.5 yuan (2.25 US dollars). By exporting flowers abroad, the growers’ incomes could double.
"In order to pass the quarantine inspection of Australia, we have translated Australian standards and import regulations on cut flowers, and offered training to flower farmers since last year," said Guo Xueliang, head of the city's entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau.
According to the statistics of the local government, the city of Luoyang has exported fewer than 100,000 peonies each year in recent years. The number is expected to grow to 20 million in the next two to three years.
Peony flowers in blossom in Luoyang city, Henan Province. /VCG Photo
Luoyang has a long history of growing peonies, which can be traced back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618). During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the peony was designated as the royal flower for its luxuriant blossom, which symbolizes prosperity and wealth. Luoyang, as the “Eastern Capital”, was home to a large variety of the flowers.
At present, there are over 1,000 species of peonies in the city. Each year, the annual Luoyang Peony Fair remains an attraction to domestic and foreign tourists visiting the city.
681km
