Peonies always bloom into flowers around Grain Rain, which is the perfect period to enjoy peonies. As the saying goes, “Enjoy peonies in Full Bloom around Grain Rain.” Therefore, peonies are also called Grain Rain Flower, the only flower named after the solar terms.

Peonies, of diverse colors and charms, boast celestial beauty. Naturally, the visual emphasis is laid upon their color, shape and verve. Generally speaking, the multiple-petal peonies are senior to the single-petal ones, and the red and yellow ones are the best and the peculiar ones are precious.

Around Grain Rain, visitors prefer to go to scenic spots famous for peonies. Luoyang is the most renowned one. It’s believed that the peony is demoted to Luoyang by Empress Wu Zetian. In one winter, Empress Wu went to Shang Yuan with her subordinates to kiss the cup and appreciate the snow. At her whim, she ordered all the flowers to blossom the next day. Scared of the empress, all the flowers but the peony bloomed into flowers the following day. Empress Wu, out of anger at the peony, demoted it to Luoyang.