In harmony with history
Beyond symbolism, the rose is remarkably adaptable. Easy to propagate and resilient to cold, drought, and challenging environments, it thrives across much of China and many parts of the world.
In Beijing, the Chinese rose has found a fitting home. Blooming from late spring to early winter — and sometimes even braving the first snow — the flowers mirror the city's enduring spirit.
Known as Yueyuehong (red every month), Chinese roses at the Temple of Heaven bloom in May and repeat at least two times more. Today, thanks to skillful cultivation, they can even thrive through autumn and winter.
Fu makes this possible with precision and patience.
Early bloomers are placed in warmer areas; after leaves appear, they are moved for optimal sunlight. Buds are trimmed to synchronize their growth with others, while overly prolific stems are pared down to concentrate nutrients on the strongest flowers. Every pot receives a balanced water and fertilizer mix, with temperature and humidity closely monitored.
"The secret," Fu said, "is not just care — it's guiding the roses to bloom beautifully, exactly when they should."
Fu said viewing the roses at the Temple of Heaven is a different experience from any other park.
Here, the blooms unfold against a backdrop of towering ancient cypresses and ginkgo trees, some hundreds of years old, their twisted trunks and sweeping branches carrying the weight of history. Beyond the greenery, the crimson and gold roofs of the temple halls rise gracefully, their ornate eaves and carved beams adding a sense of grandeur and timelessness.
Visitors wander along winding paths that curve around these venerable trees and historic structures, pausing to admire not just the roses but the harmony between cultivated beauty and the enduring architecture of imperial China. Here, every bloom seems to carry a story, not only of nature but of centuries of human care and cultural legacy.
Every morning at seven, Fu arrives at the rose garden. He takes a moment to watch the visitors as they wander among the blooms, smiling at their delight.
"It's wonderful to see everyone enjoying them. Flowers like these aren't just for beauty — they make people slow down, breathe, and remember what's good in life," he said.
