A new cultural initiative linking China and Nepal was launched in eastern China on Friday, with the unveiling of a Nepal-themed rhododendron garden as part of a broader international flower project.

The “Universal Blossoms” National Flower Garden Project was inaugurated at Guanyu Peony Garden in Mudan District, Heze, bringing together Nepali officials, Chinese authorities and cultural representatives.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Nepal Rhododendron Garden” by Zhang Peng, vice mayor of Heze, and Parbati Aryal, economic minister at the Nepal Embassy in China.

Officials said the project seeks to promote cultural exchange through national flowers, with Nepal’s rhododendron—known locally as “Laliguras”—symbolising beauty and heritage. A Bulgarian rose garden is also planned in the first phase.

Subash Shrestha, chairman of the Trade Promotion Centre Nepal and former deputy mayor of Dhulikhel, said the initiative could strengthen cultural understanding and expand practical cooperation between the two countries.

Heze authorities said the project forms part of efforts to internationalise the city’s peony industry and cultural identity. The city, known as China’s “Peony Capital”, has cultivated the flower for over 1,500 years and hosts an extensive industry spanning cultivation to processing.

Organisers said the garden will feature flowers from multiple countries and is designed as a hub for tourism, education and cultural exchange.