📖 Meaning
A phrase referring to rare and unusual flowers and plants. It is also used metaphorically to describe beautiful and outstanding literary or artistic works. The expression evokes imagery of a garden filled with extraordinary botanical specimens.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Northern Wei dynasty work 'Luoyang Qielan Ji' (A Record of Buddhist Monasteries in Luoyang) by Yang Xuanzhi, which describes the White Horse Temple as having tall bamboo in its courtyards and high pines brushing its eaves, with rare flowers and exotic plants crowding the steps. A similar concept appears in 'Xijing Zajji' (Miscellaneous Records of the Western Capital), which notes that extraordinary trees and unusual grasses were all planted there. Over time, the expression expanded beyond literal botany to also symbolize exceptional literary and artistic creations.
💡 Example Usage
御花园中种满了奇花异卉，一年四季都有花开。
The imperial garden is filled with rare flowers and exotic plants, with blossoms in every season.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 奇花异卉
- Pinyin: qí huā yì huì
- Literal Translation: rare, flower, exotic, plant
- Category: Variety
- Characters: 4