Festival shows Beijing's flower power

The Beijing Rose Cultural Festival kicked off on Thursday.

Boasting thousands of varieties, the exhibition -- in the capital's Botanical Gardens, Taoranting Park and Tiantan Park -- will last until June 28.

"The festival will further promote the city's appeal and boost the flower industry," said Wang Genhai, deputy director of the forestry and landscape bureau's farm and flower industry office.

Rose exports from Beijing have increased in recent years, said Fu Li, another official with the office.

"The flowers are mainly exported to Japan, South Korea, Germany and Russia," she said. "As the city is doing a lot of independent research and development, the flowers, as well as related products, including essential oils, perfumes and cosmetics, are getting more popular than ever."

As well as the exhibition, residents can also learn flower arrangement and taste snacks made from roses.