Young women dressed up as 12 flower goddesses tour the Langshan Mountain scenic area at the opening ceremony of the Peony Festival. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The 10th Nantong Langshan Mountain Peony Festival commenced in the city on April 10, local media outlets reported.

Following the planting of 10,000 peonies in the Langshan Mountain scenic area in 2014, the site has grown its collection to over 30,000 such flowers, including rare species from various other cities. This year, the scenic area specially introduced a small number precious flower species from southern cities to further diversify its varieties.

To ensure the superior quality of its peony festival, the scenic area invited experts to evaluate the adaptability of these new species, ensuring their healthy growth, and planted an additional 1,530 peonies and 2,492 Chinese peonies.

During the 20-day festival, the Langshan Mountain scenic area will arrange a dazzling array of cultural activities, including a restoration of the scene of 12 flower goddesses admiring peonies depicted by the ancient painting Court Ladies Wearing Flowered Headdresses. Curtains with poems about peonies will also be hung in the scenic area to enhance the atmosphere.

Peonies fully bloom at Langshan Mountain scenic area. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Peonies blossom at Langshan Mountain scenic area. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Multiple peony species bloom at the Langshan Mountain scenic area. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Blooming flowers look particularly graceful and luxurious against the backdrop of ancient buildings at the Langshan Mountain scenic area. [Photo/Nantong Daily]