At the Seattle-Luoyang seminar on cultural and economic trade and investment in Luoyang, China, deputy mayor Darryl Smith conveyed Seattle's interest in cooperation and trade during a meeting with the vice mayor, Wang Jinglin (video above). "Our delegation is here to learn from you and build the bonds of friendship. It is our intention and expectation that this May we will inaugurate the first Seattle-Luoyang Peony festival at the Seattle Chinese Garden," said Smith.
Seattle-Luoyang Peony Festival and Seattle Bamboo Festival
Saturday - Sunday, May 18-19, 10 am to 4 pm
at the Seattle Chinese Garden
Come celebrate the first blossoms on the tree peony plants donated by the city of Luoyang, China's "peony capital." The festival will feature plant displays, bamboo sales, demonstrations, art and crafts.
Co-sponsored with the Northwest Chapter of the American Bamboo Society and the American Peony Arts and Culture Association.
![]() |
| Darryl Smith being presented with peony scroll after visiting the Shenzhou Peony Garden |
The Seattle delegation that went to Luoyang at the beginning of April was vetted at every event, whether it was meeting with the White Horse Temple monks, fact-finding with the many peony artists who demonstrated their talents, or meeting with government officials from Luoyang's commerce department. The Luoyang hosts shared their love of poetry and calligraphy, history and literature - both Seattle and Luoyang are "garden" cities with a high appreciation for arts and culture.
![]() |
| The artist who has no arms, painted a beautiful scroll with her feet for Darryl Smith |
![]() |
| From left, American Peony Arts and Culture Association (APACA) Scott Heinlein, Darryl Smith, Luoyang Bureau of Commerce vice director Nui Si, and APACA Yiqiao Jiang with headmaster monk from White Horse Temple |
