Tourism activities

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With the spring breeze brushing against your face and peonies captivating the heart, Lishui hides a stunning floral paradise—not a park or a scenic spot, but the campus of a special education school. Over 200 acres of peonies, more than 500 varieties, and 200,000 blooms are competing in full splendor... This is the Lishui Special Education School Peony Garden.

One of Jiangsu’s Major Peony Viewing Destinations

Stepping into the Lishui Special Education School feels like entering a world of blossoms. Peonies in nine color families—red, pink, purple, green, and more—layer upon layer, spreading out like a magnificent springtime painting. From the delicate single-petaled blooms to the opulent double-petaled ones and the uniquely structured "terrace" varieties, each flower tells a story of spring.

The peony varieties here span borders—hailing from five countries: China, Japan, the United States, France, and the Netherlands. Over 200 traditional and rare varieties, such as "Yao Huang," "Wei Zi," and "Green Dragon Resting in Ink Pond," gather here, making it the peony garden with the most varieties in Jiangsu.

The Story Behind the 200,000 Peonies

The beauty of this floral sea goes far beyond visual splendor. Behind it lies a heartwarming tale of perseverance, love, and growth. In 2005, teachers and students at Lishui Special Education School sowed the first batch of peony seeds. Starting from an experimental plot, it has now become one of Jiangsu’s major peony viewing destinations—a journey that has taken over 20 years.

The school integrates peony cultivation into its vocational education curriculum. Through hands-on practices like seedling cultivation, pruning, and maintenance, students not only acquire practical skills but also develop patience and a sense of responsibility. Most of the peonies in the garden were planted by the students themselves, with each bloom embodying their sweat and hopes. This "educating through flowers" approach has helped special needs students find confidence and has turned the peony garden into a window for society to understand special education. From sowing to blooming, from cultivation to harvest, this floral sea has witnessed the growth journeys of countless children. As the school’s motto goes, "Peonies in bloom, lives in full color."

Blossom Viewing with a Purpose

Here, every visit to admire the flowers is also an act of kindness. All proceeds from the peony garden go toward supporting special education. Visitors’ presence is not only a pursuit of beauty but also an encouragement and support for the special needs students. Perseverance eventually leads to blossoming.

Today, this place is not only a destination for flower viewing but also a unique classroom that witnesses the growth of life and spreads warmth in society. When the peonies bloom, every petal seems to whisper: beauty has nothing to do with differences—it only requires a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Blooming Season

The blooming period lasts from late March to early May, with the peak around early April being the best time to visit.

Ticket prices:

Monday to Friday:Discounted price of 10 RMB per person.

Saturday: Free admission.

Sunday: 15 RMB per person.

May 1 and May 2:Free admission.

Location:Lishui Special Education School (New Campus)