36th Laizhou Rose Festival blossoms with flowers, food, and festivities

A colorful array of roses in the China Rose Garden in Laizhou, Yantai. [Photo/WeChat account: hklzwx]

The 36th Laizhou Rose Festival opened on May 15 at the China Rose Garden in Yantai's Laizhou, transforming the county-level city into a sea of vibrant blooms.

The garden has over 1,300 rose varieties, including 27 ancient Chinese rose varieties that have been preserved in Laizhou.

In addition to the floral displays, the festival provides a variety of cultural and commercial activities. Visitors can explore rose-inspired creative products like flower tea, petal pastries, and embroidered bags. Photography contests and exhibitions of Laizhou's intangible heritage — including straw weaving, brushes, and stone carving — are also attracting visitors.

A distinct feature of this year's festival is the Zhuqiao Mutton Soup Festival, running from May 12 to 17. At Zhuqiao, Shahe, and Nanguan fairs, local vendors prepare the aromatic soup over open fires, offering a taste of Laizhou's culinary tradition.

Laizhou's connection with roses goes back over 650 years. Known as "China's Rose Capital" in 2010, the city now cultivates roses over more than 2,000 mu (133.33 hectares), exporting seedlings to Europe, Japan, and South Korea. From a garden flower to a thriving industry, the rose represents Laizhou's heritage, hospitality, and charm.