The International Horticultural Exposition 2021 Yangzhou opened on April 8 in Zaolinwan Tourist Resort in the county-level city of Yizheng. (CFP Photo)

Covering a total area of 230 hectares, the expo has attracted the participation of 64 organizations, cities and enterprises from home and abroad, such as the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation, the World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization and the World Green Design Organization.

In addition to the original venue for the 10th Jiangsu Horticultural Exposition in 2018, the expo venue has added newly developed zones of 113 hectares, which are home to 1,160 new plant species, 27,800 trees, and 770,000 square meters of shrubs.

Commissioned by the World Federation of Rose Societies, the expo has unveiled the special garden “Love and Peace” to display the world’s award-winning roses.

The expo will hold six contests in the fields of flower arranging and potted and miniature landscapes, while cultural performances will be organized on a daily basis. Meanwhile, the host province will showcase agricultural varieties and industrial achievements at the event that runs until October 8.

The China Pavilion features a collection of intangible cultural heritage items, such as Yuhua stone and double-sided embroidery. The Folk Culture Village is the ideal place to learn about Yangzhou lacquerware, time-honored brand Xiefuchun cosmetics, traditional engraving and printing craftsmanship, and Yangzhou Ditty, an old-fashioned type of folk music. Of course, visitors can enjoy the city’s well-known dishes including the fried rice in the village.

The expo has also set an example for eco-friendly construction. The extensive use of removable and combinable parts helps reduce waste and pollution. Some exhibition gardens feature the ancient mortise and tenon joint process, easy-to-assemble designs, and flexible engaging ways that bring to life the green and low-carbon ideas.