Chengdu Radio and Television invited AIPH Member Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) to the International Horticultural Producers Association’s (AIPH) approved Category B International Horticultural Expo in Chengdu, China. This significant event aims to promote Chengdu’s horticultural industry to the world, and the CNLA’s participation, along with professionals and media groups from eight countries, underscores its global importance, writes Anthony O’Neill of CNLA.
The Expo’s main venue, covering 128 hectares, highlights Sichuan’s heritage, culture, and landscape, emphasising the theme “The Park City.” Chengdu, known as a Park City, integrates nature into urban development to place residents within nature. This innovative model features green spaces, like vine-covered highway pillars, reducing urban noise and pollution while enhancing aesthetics.
The Expo, open until the end of October, is a unique blend of indoor and outdoor venues, celebrating arts, culture, technological and scientific advancements in horticulture, health, and wellbeing. It offers an array of activities, including gardening techniques, educational and career opportunities, and events geared towards children, making it a must-visit for horticulture enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore multiple design disciplines at the Expo, experiencing a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The Expo challenges conventional urban development ideas with designs that evoke both familiarity and wonder, making it a unique and enriching experience for all.
A satellite venue in Pidu, a historic district in Chengdu, features a 3000-year history of flower cultivation dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties. Pidu is renowned for its bonsai and national orchids. The district dedicates over 770 hectares to flower and tree seedling production, boasting over 1000 varieties. Visitors to Pidu can explore the Flower Cube, showcasing stunning floral arrangements from around the world. This venue immerses visitors in the region’s rich horticultural heritage.
Chengdu, known globally for its pandas and bamboo forests, has now cemented its legacy in horticulture and gardening through this International Exposition. The Expo underscores China’s strong commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a testament to the country’s dedication to preserving our natural environment and bringing nature closer to citizens.
The Expo features architectural designs inspired by plants and flower petals, blending function and form. This approach emphasizes that creating liveable environments requires a holistic integration of history, culture, heritage, beauty, design, architecture, and infrastructure, offering visitors a truly enriching experience.
Visitors to the Expo will have a memorable experience with exceptional hospitality and a peaceful environment filled with greenery, floral arrangements and colours.
It was an honour for the CNLA to see and to help promote the Chengdu Expo. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient bonsai, tranquil gardens, and exceptional cuisine, all while being warmly welcomed by the hosts. The Expo is a testament to Chengdu’s dedication to horticulture and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On behalf of the CNLA and our gracious hosts in Chengdu, I encourage everyone to visit this top-class International Horticultural Exposition in one of the world’s most beautiful regions.
