China didn't see the emergence of pressed flower artwork until the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.). Legend has it that one senior Indian monk brought with him to the Forbidden City two Puti trees, which were considered hallowed in Buddhism as Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under a Buti tree. These two trees were planted in the imperial palace ever after, and grew luxuriantly. In the late autumn, people in the palace had Puti foliage pressed and dried, and had the image of the Buddha painted on it. Colorful and lively, the Puti paintings became widely popular among the Qing aristocrats.

Though different from today's art form, it might be the earliest pressed flower art in China. In the late 20th century, pressed flower art gained more popularity in China, partly influenced by its neighboring country Japan. More researches have been carried out in China to retain the wonderful, natural color of flowers.

In 1997, Professor Chen Guoju from Guangzhou-based South China Agricultural University opened the first pressed flower art course in China. Professor Chen not only teaches pressed flower art to students, but also wrote a book on the art, in an effort to popularize its practice in China. In March, 2007, she garnered two first place awards at the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, the world's most famous pressed flower competition. The works, entitled "Irish Knot" and "The Legendary Figure," were made to echo this year's theme of "Legends of Ireland" at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

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