The Fifth China Flower Exposition, the largest of its kind ever held in the mainland, opened Friday and will run through October 7 in Shunde, Guangdong Province.

Staged every four years, the exposition, considered the national "Flower Olympics," is sponsored by the China Flower Association, the Guangdong provincial government, the Shunde municipal government, and the Guangdong Provincial Flower Association.

Jiang Zehui, president of China Flower Association, said at the opening ceremony that the exposition showcases the impressive achievements of the country's flower industry.

"By introducing profound flower culture and tradition, it will help create a more harmonious co-existence of man and nature," he explained.

With the theme "Flowers of the Century," the event has aesthetic, professional and commercial characteristics.

An array of activities will be staged for flower amateurs and professionals alike to enjoy spectacular garden designs, landscape settings and exhibitions.

It is also a chance for business, in view of the fact that the Second National Flower Technologies and Information Exchange Fair is being held at the same time. A batch of projects for cooperation, exchange of information and technologies and professional workshops are ongoing.

The organizing committee estimates delegations from across the nation and 20 foreign countries will be taking part.

The flower industry in Shunde has been blooming in recent years. The World of Flowers, the production base in Shunde, has become the largest flower production and trade center in South China, said Feng Runsheng, a top Shunde leader.

(China Daily 09/29/2001)