As is expressed in the poetic lines –“If it happens to be the spring when you are in the south of Yangtse River, be sure to stay in the beautiful season”, the spring of Jiangnan, the south of Yangtse River, welcomes visitors with all attracting sceneries. Albeit winter haunting in the delicate aroma of plum blossoms, spring has tried to explore the fun of a new circle. Peonies in this particular moment involve themselves in the competition against plums for the honor of Queen Flower. With all their gorgeous exuberance and pride, they present people with a hilarious gathering of beautiful flowers. Peonies here amount to the prime in Jiangnan.
      The Shanghu Peony Garden blessed with a variety of peonies resembles a brilliant pearl inviting people from all over the world and wins the honor of International Garden City for Changshu.
      Changshu (Shanghu) Peony Fair has been successfully held for 19 sessions ever since 1992, and is open from late March to middle April every year. The peony fair has grown from the initial fair restricted to Shanghu to a three-party and four-party peony fair joined by the cities of Luoyang, Heze and Pengzhou in the 19 years. The China Peony Fair jointly organized by the four parties brings Shanghu to larger public recognition.
      Shanghu peonies enjoy the top renown in Jiangnan for its comprehensive attractions of long tradition and abundant color systems and species together with the inviting landscapes and gardens. The peony fair featured with water town peonies establishes a state-level brand in the joint effort of Luoyang, Heze and Pengzhou, leading a new custom of “coming to Changshu to watch the peonies in spring" in Jiangnan. The peony fair exhibits the stunning beauty of peonies and the harmonious livelihood of China, and invites visitors’ involvement in the art performances, the wedding ceremonies, model shows and traditional cormorant fishing, etc. A tourism trend is taking shape to appreciate flowers in spring and enjoy the fragrance by water in Jiangnan.