Int'l Horticultural Expo 2024 holds last rehearsal before opening

Organizers and volunteers at the International Horticultural Expo 2024 in Chengdu have held their last collective rehearsal before the Expo opens on Friday.

Running from April 26 to October 28 in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, the event, themed "Park City, Beautiful Habitat," showcases the diverse gardening cultures of cities around the world in six core pavilions and over one hundred exhibition parks at the main venue.

The organizing committee conducted a comprehensive review of the live performances, visitor admission, transportation, security and other services at the rehearsal.

More than 1,000 volunteers will be involved in park operations during the 186-day Expo, providing guidance, counseling and other services to Chinese and foreign visitors.

Int'l Horticultural Expo 2024 holds last rehearsal before opening

People of various sectors in France are anticipating Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the European country, while Chinese and French national flags are flying high on the main streets in Paris on Sunday.

Xi, who left Beijing on Sunday morning for Paris, is to pay a state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and France.

This visit marks the second state visit by China's head of state to France in five years, and is also Xi's third state visit to this European country.

France is the first leg of Xi's three-European country tour, which will later take him to Serbia and Hungary.

Chinese, French national flags flying in Paris for Xi's visit