She defied an empress—and became a legend 🌸 Discover the story of the peony, China’s “Queen of Flowers,” and how it turned Luoyang into the City of Blossoms. In this short cultural story, learn: ✨ Why Empress Wu Zetian banished the peony ✨ How it became a symbol of strength and beauty ✨ What makes Luoyang the perfect place to enjoy spring in bloom Perfect for Chinese language learners and culture lovers! 🇨🇳 Transcript 牡丹是唐朝的国花。唐代诗人刘禹锡写道：“唯有牡丹真国色，花开时节动京城。” 唐朝女皇武则天特别喜欢赏花。一年冬天，大雪覆盖皇城长安，她命令百花在一夜之间全部开放。花儿们都害怕她的命令，纷纷绽放，只有牡丹没有动。武则天非常生气，就把牡丹从长安贬到洛阳，还命人烧掉它，说：“让它永远不能开花！” 第二年春天，武则天来到洛阳，看到牡丹不但没有死，反而更加枝繁叶茂。于是，她感叹道：“这就是天意。”从此，牡丹成了不屈与坚强的象征，也让洛阳成为“花城”。 今天的洛阳，仍是中国最有名的牡丹之城。每年四、五月都会举办盛大的洛阳牡丹花会，吸引成千上万的游客。除了赏花，人们还可以参观龙门石窟、白马寺等著名景点，感受古都的历史气息。 Exercises and English version https://www.travelthroughchineselearning.com/blog/the-peony-and-luoyang -- Hosting provided by SoundOn