"Before coming to Heze, I had never heard of peonies. I don't think we have this kind of flower in my country." Fadwa, an international student from Heze University, stood amidst the sea of flowers, her eyes sparkling with delight. In Chinese culture, the peony is revered as the "King of Flowers" , symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and love. Its layers of lush, full petals embody people's aspirations for a beautiful life. Fadwa was deeply captivated: "I have never seen such large flowers. I find it absolutely stunning."

　　Finding Home in Heze: Where the Heart Finds Peace

　　Strolling through the blossoms, what touched Fadwa most was not the flowers themselves, but the people of this city: "I love this city so much. It's so beautiful—I feel like I'm right at home. I don't feel like a foreigner here at all."

　　This sense of belonging stemmed from the warmth and sincerity of the Heze people. "The people here are so easygoing. They treat me like family, with such kindness and warmth. They accept me as their friend, as their daughter," Fadwa shared.

　　This warmth that transcended borders reminded Fadwa of her childhood dream. "Since I was little, I told my father I wanted to come to China." In Heze, she not only fulfilled her wish to visit China but also discovered an unexpected feeling of "home."

　　A Floral Dialogue: A Beautiful Conversation Between Chinese and Moroccan Cultures

　　While peonies carry Chinese aspirations for a good life, the sunflower in distant Morocco conveys similar blessings. When asked about traditional flowers in Morocco, Fadwa mentioned the sunflower: "Sunflowers are quite rare in our country, and they're expensive. If someone gives you sunflowers at a celebration, birthday party, or wedding, it means you are very special to them. Because the sunflower means: I wish you a long life, happiness, and success in all your endeavors."