The 12th Horticultural Exposition of Jiangsu Province will open in Lianyungang City on April 26 as preparation has progressing smoothly, according to a press conference held by the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government on April 19.
Hosted by the provincial government, the month-long expo will be co-organized by the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the People's Government of Lianyungang. The venue is located in Yuntai Farm and covers an area of about 237 hectares, near Huaguo Mountain.
Chen Haodong, deputy director of the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, noted the expo has five main features.
First, it stresses the cultural connection with Huaguo Mountain, the hometown of the Monkey King in the classic novel "The Journey to the West." Second, it focuses on healthcare and incorporates tea, TCM and other topics in the expo's urban exhibition zone. Third, the expo emphasizes low-carbon efforts and green development ideas. Fourth, it features the historical heritage and a harmony between man and nature, the East and West, and the past and present. Fifth, the expo's layout takes advantage of the mountain's landscape and promotes interaction with the art, science, technology, and business of plant cultivation in a vibrant setting.
Each thematic exhibition zone will strengthen the immersive experiences through the use of holographic projection.
From April 26 to May 26, a series of exhibitions will be held under different themes, such as gardening and horticulture, the Silk Road, the culture of Chinese couplets, and intangible cultural heritage items. These events will showcase traditional and modern horticultural skills and techniques in a comprehensive way. Additionally, the venue will be home to singing, dancing, and local opera performances to present Lianyungang's unique culture.
(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)
Also on the schedule are a cycling event to promote eco-friendly transportation, a flower appreciation festival, a photography contest, and a challenge based on the short-video app Douyin. These events will highlight the scenic spots around the expo venue, such as the city's historical pagoda and the nearly 1,000-year-old Yulan magnolia tree.
At the end of May, Lianyungang will hold a high-level forum on the cultural heritage of the province's gardens and its contemporary expression, and grant awards.
The expo aims to build a platform for exchange and exhibition. The province's 13 cities will present top creations with local characteristics, including flower arrangements and bonsai.
