On March 18th local time, a cultural exchange event themed “Peony Blossoms, Tea Aroma Conveys Affection“ was successfully held at the “Simeon the Great“ Secondary School in Vidin, a teaching site under the Confucius Institute in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event attracted numerous teachers and students, creating a lively atmosphere filled with rich cultural vibes.

　　The event began with Sun Yan, a Chinese language teacher volunteer from the Confucius Institute in Sofia, leading the students in watching a promotional video about Heze peonies. In the video, the elegance and grandeur of Heze peonies captivated every audience member. The peony, symbolizing prosperity and wealth, also carries profound cultural significance. As the video showcased the poetic and picturesque peony fields, the students felt as though they were transported to an oriental garden, experiencing the harmony of nature and culture.

　　Sun Yan then provided a detailed introduction to the history and cultural significance of peonies. She mentioned that peonies are revered as the “king of flowers“ in Chinese culture and have been celebrated by poets and scholars since ancient times. From the Tang Dynasty's “Only the peony truly embodies national beauty“ to the Song Dynasty's “When peonies bloom, the capital stirs,“ peonies are not just flowers but also symbols of Chinese culture. The students listened intently, marveling at the beauty of peonies and the depth of Chinese culture.