ZHANG XIAOLI/FOR CHINA DAILY

Luoyang Peony Festival

For an unforgettable spring adventure, head to the Luoyang Peony Festival, a spectacular event held each year from April to May in Luoyang, Henan province, celebrating the city's title as the "Millennium Capital, Peony City". With origins tracing back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when nobles and poets revered the flower, this festival blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.

Stroll through vast peony gardens showcasing hundreds of varieties and admire the blooms lining streets across the city — even traffic lights are shaped like peonies. Beyond viewing the flowers, visitors can also enjoy cultural performances, folk dances and art exhibitions. For a magical touch, dress in hanfu (traditional attire) to feel like you've stepped into ancient China. In the city's streets and alleys, it's easy to find shops offering hanfu rentals and makeup services to complete the time-travel journey.