On June 20, a hydrangea-themed cultural tourism event opened at Kuliang Tourism Resort in Fuzhou, Fujian province, inviting visitors to experience the mountain retreat's floral beauty, cultural traditions and summer charm.

Performers dressed as Flower Deities parade at Kuliang Tourism Resort during the hydrangea-themed cultural tourism event in Fuzhou, Fujian province. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

Kuliang has a hydrangea-growing tradition that dates back more than a century. In the past, the flowers were often planted around hillside villas and foreign residences, with varieties such as Endless Summer and traditional local hydrangeas taking center stage. Blooming around the Dragon Boat Festival, hydrangeas would greet the arrival of foreign visitors who came to Kuliang to escape the summer heat, becoming a memorable part of the resort's seasonal landscape.

In recent years, the Kuliang Administrative Committee has expanded hydrangea cultivation in line with local conditions, creating the terraced Changtian Creek Flower Valley, a hydrangea-themed floral landscape covering about 15 mu, or roughly one hectare. The valley is now home to tens of thousands of hydrangea plants. Major varieties include Endless Summer, Pink Beauty, Ocean Blue and Red Mama, while both double-petaled and single-petaled blooms add depth and texture to the vibrant sea of flowers.

Centered on hydrangeas, this year's event is built around the cultural theme of the Twelve Flower Deities and draws inspiration from the traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival. By blending flower-viewing, Chinese-style performances and folk-custom activities, the event offers visitors a multi-layered experience of Kuliang's summer scenery and cultural heritage. A special photo exhibition titled Twelve Flowers of the Four Seasons is also being held, showcasing Kuliang's floral landscapes throughout the year and building excitement for the summer tourism season.

Visitors pose for photos amid hydrangeas in bloom at Kuliang Tourism Resort in Fuzhou, Fujian province. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

More than a summer flower-viewing celebration, the event also serves as an important platform to showcase Kuliang's rich cultural and tourism resources. It highlights the resort's ecological beauty and distinctive appeal as a destination where nature, history and culture come together. Through the event, visitors are invited to experience Kuliang's lush mountains, excellent environment and deep cultural heritage up close.