(For gardeners, this would rate five stars rather than four). This is primarily a research garden and storehouse for the national gene pool of peonies, also a breeding garden for developing new varieties of tree peonies. Since tree peonies originate from China, and their cultivation started in this area hundreds of years ago, this is a logical place to site such an institution. However, since the subject is peonies, this garden can't help being very beautiful when the peonies are in bloom, in April, probably reaching their peak in the second week of April. And this place is huge! According to information on various websites, the site covers around 40 hectares and has several hundred thousand peony plants. However, the primary display areas are smaller and can be covered in one to three hours, depending on the level of interest. Some areas are covered with netting during bloom time, to prolong the bloom. These parts are the most intensively cultivated and most floriferous areas of the garden. Note that there are two primary display areas, one north of the highway (the main one) and one south of the highway. There are maps near the entrances, but no English language directions on the signs; however, the maps are mostly self-explanatory and still helpful. Within the garden itself there are some English-language signs which explain what types of peonies are growing in the various parts of the garden. This is primarily a Chinese tourist destination (and a major one - the park was quite crowded in the mid-April peak season), but there were a few tourists speaking other languages, so it's not completely off the Western tourist track. I came here with a guide, so I can't comment on how easy it would be to get here with a taxi or public transportation.

A wonderful display of China's national flower. Acres of well laid out gardens and easy access. But beware that the Peony season only lasts from April to May. If you go go before or after these dates you will not see the Peonies , but the gardens are beautiful anyway