The 9th International Rose Conference, a landmark event in the global rose industry, was held in Beijing from May 11 to 15. This is the first time in 40 years that the conference has been hosted in China. Over 800 experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from dozens of countries and regions gathered in Mentougou District, Beijing, to discuss the latest trends in rose research and share new achievements in the industry. The event also showcased nearly a million rose plants of over 1,000 varieties from around the world, creating an immersive experience for attendees.
A Historic Opportunity for China’s Flower Industry
The International Rose Conference is the highest-level comprehensive event in the global rose industry. Its debut in China marks a significant milestone, reflecting international recognition of China’s growing strength in the flower sector. According to Ben Quanmin, President of the Beijing Flower Association, the conference will play a key role in promoting China’s achievements in ecological civilization construction and driving development from a national strategic perspective.
Francois Laurent, President of the International Society for Horticultural Science, highlighted China’s rich history and significant contributions to rose cultivation. China is the geographical origin of many wild Rosa plants and is renowned for its ancient roses, which are still used in modern rose breeding. Currently, China’s cut rose production accounts for one-third of the global market share.
A Platform for International Collaboration and Innovation
The conference attracted significant attention from major rose research countries. Over 80 international authoritative experts from 26 research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the French Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the University of California, Davis, participated in discussions on topics such as rose genetics, molecular breeding, and post-harvest techniques. They shared the latest global research achievements, fostering international collaboration and innovation.
The concurrent 12th China Rose Exhibition showcased China’s outstanding achievements in rose industry development, scientific research, and cultural heritage. The exhibition featured a “dual display” pattern, combining outdoor and indoor exhibits. Notably, the exhibition area for self-bred rose varieties displayed 200 varieties with independent intellectual property rights for the first time.
Sun Qixin, President of China Agricultural University, emphasized China’s growing role in the global rose industry. China’s cut rose flower production now accounts for 37% of the global total, while potted flowers, garden landscapes, and deep-processed products have formed industrial clusters worth hundreds of billions of yuan. The total output value of China’s rose industry chain has exceeded 300 billion yuan.
Future Directions for Rose Research and Industry
Sun Qixin highlighted the need for more international cooperation, the promotion of new technologies, and the protection of global rose germplasm resources. These efforts will contribute to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The rose, known as the “Queen of Flowers,” is not only a cultural symbol but also a key driver of technological innovation.
Ben Quanmin stressed that the conference serves as a bridge for dialogue between China and the world, promoting China’s transformation from a major rose resource country to a leading rose breeding and research nation. It also helps build a new pattern of international cooperation in the flower industry.
Beijing: A Rose Hub with Cultural and Ecological Significance
The rose is the city flower of Beijing, symbolizing the city’s rich cultural heritage and ecological background. Gao Dawei, Party Secretary and Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Gardens and Greening, expressed hope that the conference would deepen international exchanges and promote innovative breakthroughs in rose breeding and cultivation techniques. He called for a collective effort to build a “City of Biodiversity” using roses as a medium and Beijing’s garden city construction as a bond.
The 2025 Beijing Rose Culture Festival, held concurrently with the conference, integrated elements of history, culture, technology, art, and products. It featured a series of ecological and cultural activities, including an exhibition of rose masterpieces, a “Flower Youth Life Festival,” a horticultural market, and exhibitions and sales of roses and their derivative products. Innovative models such as “rose + intangible cultural heritage” and “rose + national trend cultural and creative products” were introduced to activate new consumption potential.
Beijing is a leader in rose germplasm resources, research and development, efficient production, and landscape application. It hosts a national-level rose germplasm resource garden, an international rose new variety testing center, a national rose industry alliance, and a national-level rose seedling efficient production demonstration zone. The city has cultivated over 50 new and superior rose varieties with independent intellectual property rights, such as “Beijing Red” and “Red May,” which have been widely promoted and applied both domestically and internationally.
Currently, Beijing’s rose planting area exceeds 25,000 mu, with over 3,000 varieties in application and display. Over 20 million rose plants of various types are in full bloom along Beijing’s Ring Road, major connecting lines, and key districts, forming a 300-kilometer-long “rose necklace.” This sets a model for urban rose application in China.
Mentougou District: A Model for Resilient City Construction
Mentougou District, an important ecological conservation area in Beijing, is a key carrier for the high-quality transformation and development of the city’s western region. The district is leveraging projects such as the Miaofeng Mountain Rose Town and Jingxi Rose Island Park to build a garden city demonstration area featuring the city flower, the rose. It aims to coordinate ecological restoration, rural revitalization, and resilient city construction by integrating rose industry development with mountainous area transformation.
The 9th International Rose Conference meticulously planned a three-dimensional display system, including “one exhibition, one garden, one road, one point, and five areas.” This system serves functions such as displaying new rose varieties, technologies, and applications, as well as facilitating international and domestic exchanges. The International Rose Congress High Mountain Rose Garden Scenic Area was built to a high standard, featuring over 50 varieties and approximately 140,000 rose plants. These plants were planted in important communities, parks, and roads in Mentougou District, allowing citizens to enjoy an immersive garden city landscape.
Zhao Yunlong, Deputy District Head of Mentougou District, announced that over 110 activities covering culture, art, and outdoor sports would be launched during the conference. These activities, themed “The Most Rural, the Most Fashionable, and the Most Natural,” aim to provide tourists with a wonderful journey integrating folk customs, fashion, and natural scenery.
