Peony Garden
The Peony Garden was established in the 1990s by the Twin Pagoda Temple Cultural Heritage Administration as a showcase for select peony cultivars. Over 6,000 peony plants are cultivated here, representing more than 40 prized varieties, including Yao Huang (boasts yellow color), Wei Zi (The Wei Purple), Zhao Fen (Zhao’s Pink), and Dou Lü (boasts green color).
Among them, the most exceptional is the Zixia Xian (Purple-Cloud Immortal), a rare cultivar planted during the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). With its long history and extreme rarity, it is regarded as a botanical treasure. The Zixia Xian is an early-blooming, late-fading variety with an extended flowering period. When in bloom, it stands out with its lush clusters of blossoms — deep purples tinged with red, and reds shaded with purple — forming a unique and captivating display.
Combined with other varieties in shades of red, pink, yellow, white, purple, green and dark hues, the garden presents a spectacular panorama of all nine traditional peony colors, creating a breathtaking scene each spring.
Peony Garden of Select Varieties
Established by the Twin Pagoda Temple Cultural Heritage Administration in the 1990s, the Peony Garden of Select Varieties is a curated collection of premium peony cultivars. The garden boasts blossoms in nine vibrant color groups — red, yellow, pink, white, purple, green, dark (ink), blue and multicolored — offering a dazzling array of hues.
Featured cultivars include celebrated varieties such as Er Qiao (Two Beauties), Dou Lü (green-colored), Baixue Ta (Snowy Pagoda), Jiaorong Sanbian (Three Changes of Delicate Beauty), Jinyu Liangyuan (Golden Jade Union), Qinglong Wo Mochi (Green Dragon Lying in the Ink Pool), Mo Kui (Ink King) and Jin Ge (Golden Pavilion).
Each year, during the 20 some days around the transition from spring to summer — just before the Start of Summer (li xia) — the garden bursts into a sea of color. Crimson and violet blooms vie in splendor, drawing crowds of visitors who marvel at the floral spectacle, take photos and immerse themselves in the stunning scenery.