The 9th International Symposium on Rose Research and Cultivation officially kicked off on Sunday in Beijing, marking the first time the event has been held in China in its 40-year history.

Over 1,000 rose varieties from both domestic and international sources are on display at the five-day event, which is scheduled to last until May 15.
In addition to an indoor exhibition hall, the event has also set up a sprawling 230,000-square-meter outdoor rose-themed science and exhibition areas, including three domestic gardens and four international gardens which creates a global cultural hub for roses.
Meanwhile, vibrant festival atmosphere is enhanced by markets, flower parades, and musical performances, promoting a new scene for cultural and leisure consumption through the integration of conferences, exhibitions, and festivals.
The symposium serves as a global platform for rose cultivation, with Beijing chosen for its rich genetic resources of roses.
China boasts nearly 10,000 rose varieties, and the rose has been designated as the city flower in 53 prefecture- and -above level cities.
In Beijing, the blooming period extends from April to November, making roses a prominent feature in urban landscaping and an essential part of garden city development.