From June 20 to 21st, 2021, at the invitation of Erguna Forest-Steppe Ecotone Research Station, Prof. Liu Zhengan, Deputy Secretary-General of Peony and Paeonia Branch of China Flower Association, head of Peony Cultivation and Breeding Research Group of the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited Erguna and gave guidance on local peony planting. 

On the afternoon of June 20, Prof. Liu Zhengan, accompanied by Wang Zhengwen, head of Erguna Station, paid a field trip to Shaoyaopo near Baka to investigate wild peony resources. On the morning of June 21, Liu Zhengan, Wang Wenwen and others, accompanied by the town governors, visited the peony planting base in Heishantou Town.  

At peony planting bases, Prof. Liu gave specific guidance on beekeeping, artificial cross-pollination and standardized peony planting. He talked to peony growers about the varieties and distribution of wild peony, its multiple values and economic benefits, as well as the development prospects of the peony industry. Prof. Liu and other experts agreed that it is highly feasible to develop peony planting and promote the economic transformation in Erguna. Prof. Liu recommended the local government to attach importance to the development of medicinal, ornamental and oil use values of peony, and to the establishment of a peony industry chain in order to promote the development of eco-tourism.  

Local peony growers expressed their heartfelt thanks to the visiting experts for their technical guidance. Wang Xuejun, Secretary of the Party Committee of Heishantou Town, Erguna City, expressed his gratitude to Erguna Station for its help given to Heishantou Town. He said that the town will further strengthen cooperation with Erguna Station in the future in order to promote the harmonious development of local economy, ecology and society.