Wife’s childhood memory inspires Chinese husband to build world’s largest hollyhock garden
A casual remark from his wife inspired a man in southwestern China to transform a barren valley into a breathtaking sea of hollyhocks spanning 80 hectares. Zhou Xiaolin and his wife, Yin Jie, now live amid the vibrant blooms in Chengdu, Sichuan province, where they personally tend to their sprawling garden. Their love story drew national attention after they featured on a China Central Television…
A chance conversation between Zhou Xiaolin and his wife, Yin Jie, led to the creation of the world's largest hollyhock garden in a southwestern Chinese valley. The couple now resides amidst their 80-hectare floral paradise in Chengdu, Sichuan province. Their love story captivated the nation after they appeared on a China Central Television program, earning the title of a "dream couple."
The idea for the garden took root in 2013 when Yin, reminiscing about hollyhocks from her childhood in Beijing, expressed her fondness for the flowers. Though inexperienced, Zhou promised to fulfill her wish. He sold his house, acquired land in Zhuanlong Town, and taught himself gardening skills. Over a decade, he sourced seeds domestically and internationally, nurturing the site into the world's largest and most diverse hollyhock garden.
Spanning 80 hectares, the garden features over 700 hollyhock varieties, 115,000 lilies, and 100,000 Chinese hibiscus plants. The couple met in 1985 when Yin, a nursing student from Beijing, traveled to Jiuzhaigou with classmates. Zhou, a trainee tour guide at the time, was immediately drawn to Yin's quiet demeanor. They exchanged letters for five years before Zhou traveled to Beijing to propose.
Their marriage blossomed during a trip to Tibet, where they survived a snowstorm by huddling together in a cave. Despite financial hardships, Yin noted that Zhou always ensured she had the best. Zhou expressed that his wife and flowers are the two greatest sources of beauty in his life. He delved into the history and cultural significance of hollyhocks, compiling the first scientific classification of the flower.
The couple lives in the garden with several cats and dogs, continuing their tradition of handwritten letters on birthdays and anniversaries after 35 years of marriage. Their love story serves as a reminder to cherish relationships over material pursuits.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
