Ancient and Modern Peony Garden

Ancient and Modern Peony Garden

The Ancient and Modern Peony Garden is located southwest of the Caozhou Peony Garden, in Wangli Village, five li north of Heze City, making it the closest garden to the urban area. Its predecessor was the “Wanhua Village Garden” from the Ming Dynasty, which primarily cultivated peonies and tree peonies.

In the early years of the Republic of China, the garden was taken over by Zhang Peirong of the Caozhou Prefecture and renamed the Military Gate Garden. After liberation, the area under peony cultivation in this garden expanded year by year, and the variety of flower colors and types continued to increase.

In 1982, the government allocated funds to renovate the garden and renamed it “Ancient and Modern Garden.” Subsequent allocations have funded multiple expansions. The garden’s entrance, designed in a traditional ethnic style, is simple and elegant; the white garden walls exude an ancient charm reminiscent of classical Chinese landscaping. Arched bridges, flowing water, rockeries, and fountains create a delightful scene. Covering an area of 50 mu, the garden cultivates over 300 fine varieties of peonies, along with dozens of other rare flowers and trees such as tree peonies, wintersweet, yellow thorn rose, winter jasmine, roses, Chinese roses, lilacs, and crabapple. The pine-woven memorial archway—Zisong Archway—over 200 years old, is spectacular and graceful, truly a masterpiece. The pine-carved lions and tigers are remarkably lifelike. A 200-year-old dragon-headed pagoda tree boasts gnarled roots. A 100-year-old emerald cypress appears misty and hazy. A 200-year-old line cypress is unique in northern China. The golden-thread butterfly tree blooms in late spring, and by autumn, its seed pods transform into butterfly shapes, as if thousands of golden threads are suspending individual butterflies—an extraordinary sight.