The city of Tangshan in China last week opened the 2016 Tangshan International Horticultural Exposition. During an amazing opening ceremony, involving performances from hundreds of Tangshan citizens, guests from around the world celebrated the start of this six month event that is expected to attract many millions of visitors.
The Expo was opened on 29 April by Mr. Zhang Qingli, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in a ceremony including speeches from other senior officials including Madame Jiang Zehui, President of the China Flower Association (CFA) who congratulated the city of Tangshan on opening such a great event.
The Expo covers an area of 2260 ha, including a core area of 540 ha and an experiencing area of 1720 ha in the South Lake Ecological Park, which was built on the site of a former mining area. Close to the city, the Expo has transformed this derelict lake-side landscape into a beautiful exhibition that will benefit the citizens of Tangshan for generations.
The Expo opens during an important anniversary year for the city. Forty years ago the city was hit by a huge earthquake claiming the lives of over 240,000 citizens; this earthquake killed more people than any other during the 20th century. Since then the city has rebuilt itself and has become important for heavy manufacturing. To mark this anniversary the city decided to re-define its focus. The theme of the Expo is ‘City and Nature – Phoenix Nirvana’ and the city is now concentrated on being a ‘Green City’ with a bright new ‘living green’ landscape for the future citizens of Tangshan whilst still remembering the tragedy of their past.
The Expo is open until 16 October 2016 and visitors can see 47 different gardens from different countries as well as different cities and regions within China. The event includes indoor exhibitions for peonies, bonsai and other plants. Visitors can tour the new landscape, enjoy the spectacular water fountain displays, explore the tropical greenhouse and experience the ‘low-carbon lifestyle’ exhibition.
www.tangshanexpo2016.com