Northeast China's Jilin Province opened an international root carving expo in Jilin City on Tuesday.

The expo is the largest of its kind in China. Over 2,000 piecesof work from 12 countries are displayed in a 16,000-square-meter exhibition hall.

Some 300 pieces of work are from 11 foreign countries in Asia, America and Africa.

The root carvings on show from Jilin Province are unique because the roots have been submerged in lake water for some 70 years, creating a beautiful natural texture.

Jilin root carvings have won many prizes and sell well in Southeast Asian and European countries.

The expo ends on July 12.

( People's Daily July 2, 2002 )