International Horticultural Exposition 2011 Xi'an China

Xi'an, a modern and ecological new city in China’s central region, is rising up rapidly. The International Horticultural Exposition will be held in Xi'an in 2011. It will be another grand international gathering hosted by China after the Beijing 2008 Olympics and Expo 2010 Shanghai, as well as an important opportunity to showcase green civilization and promote the nation's image.

Upon the approval of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the State Council, the International Horticultural Exposition 2011 Xi'an will be held in the Chan-Ba Ecological District, Xi'an from April 28th to October 22nd, 2011 and will last for 178 days. The International Horticultural Exposition is sponsored by the People's Government of Shaanxi Province, the State Forestry Administration, P.R.China, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China Flower Association. It is also co-sponsored by the Xi'an Municipal People's Government. At present, 109 cities and organizations at home and abroad have confirmed their participation in the event, which is expected to attract 12 million visitors.

The actual site of the expo is Guangyun Lake. It is located at the bank of Chan-Ba known as "Bashang". Guangyun Lake was a major port in ancient China. During the Tianbao period of the Tang dynasty (742-756AD), Emperor Xuanzong held a large-scale water transport exposition and trade fair here to encourage commerce and trade and display region’s capability in smooth water transport. This event in ancient times marked the beginning of the World expo.

The expo’s theme is "Eternal peace & harmony between nature & mankind, nurturing the future earth---a city for nature, co-existing in peace". The emblem and mascot of the exposition have been designated as the “Chang’an Flower”, alluding to a famous Tang poem which reads: “Proudly I ride a galloping steed, feasting my eyes on Chang’an flowers at a fleeting speed.” Both the emblem and mascot were designed by Chen Shaohua, the designer of China’s Olympic bid logo and New Year zodiac stamps. The concept of the expo is "Green Leads the Trend", advocating the concept of “Love of simplicity; Striving for a low carbon lifestyle; Returning to nature --- Making green our fashion pursuit.” The image spokesperson is Yanni, a famous star and Xi'an native.