I happened to be in Luoyang during the peony blooming season.

Known as the "Imperial Capital for a Thousand Years, City of Peonies," Luoyang boasts a long and rich history of peony cultivation, originating in the Sui Dynasty, flourishing in the Tang Dynasty, and reaching its peak during the Song Dynasty. As Tang Dynasty poets Liu Yuxi and Bai Juyi praised: "Only the peony is the true national beauty, moving the capital when it blooms. The flowers bloom and fall for twenty days, and the entire city goes wild." ‼️Important Notes and Pitfalls to Avoid 1️⃣ Check the weather forecast before heading out. Overcast, windy, or rainy weather will undoubtedly affect your photo-taking experience and overall flower viewing enjoyment. 2️⃣ Avoid interacting with villagers near the Peony Garden who try to solicit you for parking, meals, or discounted tickets. It's recommended to park in the designated parking lot within the scenic area and purchase tickets at the official ticket office. 3️⃣ Book your accommodations in advance, especially if traveling mid-month, to avoid a frantic search for a room late at night in Luoyang. 4️⃣ Prioritize hotels near the Luo River for convenient access to Luopu Park, where you can enjoy free peony viewing and the scenic river views in the early morning. This location also offers easy access to and from the city. 5️⃣ Peony gardens are located both within Luoyang city and in the surrounding suburbs. If you search for hotels near the National Peony Garden, International Peony Garden, Shenzhou Peony Garden, or Gaoshan Peony Garden, you might find hotels in neighboring counties like Yichuan, Mengjin, or Yanshi. These locations are only a 30-60 minute drive from the gardens. If you're open to staying in these counties, you might save on accommodation costs. 6️⃣ Arrive early, preferably before 8am, to avoid crowds and witness the enchanting sight of flower bushes shrouded in morning mist. Dew-kissed petals glistening in the sunlight are particularly stunning. 7️⃣ Whether using a phone or DSLR camera, some photography skills are essential. Peonies come in a wide array of vibrant colors and dense blooms, and without some photography know-how, your photos might end up looking overly saturated and clichéd. Learning a few tips beforehand will help you capture stunning photos worthy of sharing on social media. 8️⃣ While you can admire the flowers up close within the garden, please refrain from touching or disturbing them. Stepping into the flower beds for photos, picking flowers, or shaking the branches are strictly prohibited.