China man builds world’s largest hollyhock garden

In a remarkable display of love and dedication, a Chinese husband transformed a childhood memory shared by his wife into the world's largest hollyhock garden. Located in Chengdu, Sichuan province, the 80-hectare garden is open to the public and features over 700 varieties of hollyhocks, 150,000 lilies, and approximately 100,000 Chinese hibiscus plants.

The project began in 2013 when Zhou Xiaolin constructed the garden after his wife, Yin Jie, reminisced about hollyhocks she saw during her childhood in Beijing. Initially, the project required years of work and self-taught knowledge in gardening as Zhou had no prior experience. He even collected seeds from various regions in China and abroad to create his diverse floral landscape.

The hollyhock garden became a testament to the enduring power of love, eventually gaining national attention after the couple appeared on a China Central Television programme. Their relationship, which began in 1985 when Yin was a nursing student traveling to Jiuzhaigou with Zhou, a trainee tour guide, has lasted for 35 years. During their journey together, they have faced challenges, including surviving a severe snowstorm in Tibet.

Despite financial difficulties, Yin always found happiness in Zhou's company and their shared passion for flowers. Zhou's wife described their life together as filled with beauty, stating, "With a man this good, I knew I would stay with him for life."