The International Horticultural Exposition 2024 is set to open on April 26, featuring 113 exhibition parks and six main venues constructed to embody the principles of green and low-carbon sustainability.
This expo emphasizes the concepts of being green, low-carbon, economical, sustainable, sharing and inclusive, making significant efforts to construct the main venue by designing landscapes that preserve the existing ecology and maintain as much of the original topography and landforms as possible. From construction materials to energy supply, a zero-carbon measures are fully implemented in more than 20 links.
"We've adopted welding robots, which are three times more efficient than traditional manual labor. This practice aligns with the green and low-carbon concept of the International Horticultural Exposition," said Wang Pu, leader of the steel structure for the International Horticultural Exposition 2024 project at China MCC5 Group Corp. Ltd.
The main venue, designed in the shape of three lotus petals, not only boasts an elegant form but also has the capability to collect and recycle rainwater.
"It is equipped with a system that collects rainwater, which converges in the center before draining into underground tubes for recycling. The annual volume of pooled rainwater could reach 2,500 tons," said Tang Donghu, director of electromechanical production for the International Horticultural Exposition 2024 project, China Construction Eighth Engineering Division. Corp. LTD.
The expo, slated to run from April 26 to October 28, will showcase diverse gardening cultures from China and around the world.
After its conclusion, these venues will be transformed to serve the local community by being converted into garden museums as well as culture and art centers to meet the needs of people's cultural life.
Main venues of Int'l Horticultural Expo 2024 completed with focus on green, low-carbon innovations
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
