European architecture in one of the expo's gardens as seen at night.

The 2011 Xi'an International Horticultural Exposition is not just for tourists, it is also a major event for horticulturalists, farmers, agronomists, sellers, equipment manufacturers, and people who simply enjoy gardens and flowers.

Here are some of the things to look for at the expo:

Green technology

Every bit of the Xi'an expo shows an awareness of the need for environmental protection. It promotes the idea that going green is the fashion.

It is situated on the Chan-ba Ecological District, a former sandpit where the water was severely degraded in the 1980s. But, two decades of work has restored the ecosystem and even the water of its Yuntan Lake is now clear.

The purpose of this expo is to show what it is possible to accomplish in eco-protection through the use of the most advanced technology, ideas, and material.

Masterworks

The expo presents an array of work from prominent architects from around the world. One piece, the Chang'an tower, is a sort of landmark, designed by Zhang Jinqiu of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Three others, Creativity Pavilion, the Greenhouse, and the Guanyun Entrance, were designed by the Chief Architect of Plasma, Eva Jiricna.

This expo is the first example of the use of nine master gardens in this way. They are the work of designers and planners from the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark, Australia and Spain.

The expo also has 10 university gardens that are the work of students and professors at top horticulture schools. Their work reflects the latest trends and highest standards in horticultural design.

Dialogue across time

Guangyun Lake, where the expo is situated, was significant in Sui (AD 581-618) and Tang (AD 618-907) times, when tributes and taxes from outside were transported by river to the lake and Chan-ba, before making the final trip to Xi'an. The Xuan Emperor of the Tang Dynasty ascended the steps of a tower by the lake to get a look at the boats. His presence caused people to gather, and they bought goods that the boats had brought.

Now, more than a thousand years later, Xi'an is playing host to a different sort of gathering at Guangyun Lake, but nonetheless an opportunity for a dialogue between the Xi'an of the past and the modern version. This recurrence of events is no coincidence - rather, it is a rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. And, prosperous eras give rise to great events.

Perfect integration

The 2011 Xi'an Expo embodies by three forms of perfect integration.

The first is the integration of Chinese and foreign cultures. The architecture, landscaping, gardens, and sculptures are a joint effort from various foreign and Chinese experts, so the site is in the traditional Chinese style complemented by modern, western elements.

The second is past events recurring in the modern age.

The third is the shared aspirations of Taiwan and the mainland. To explain: the Taipei International Floral Exposition will draw to a close on April 25, 2011, there days before the Xi'an expo opens. The Taipei expo's 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) theme or goal shares the same spirit of the Xi'an expo, the pursuit of harmony between nature and humans.

Cultural pageant

The show flower in water will be performed two times a day. It conveys an understanding of flowers using modern techniques such as multi-media, for an impressive audio-visual effect.

Unlike China's many other expos, the Xi'an expo comes with a carnival with a procession of floats, military band performances, a fashion show, dances, and circus performers. The carnival is a global approach to celebration, and will add a festive air to the expo.

Visitors can enjoy the dances and singing with a Southeast Asian flavor on Southeast Asia Street then get a taste of European traditional culture on European Avenue.

(China Daily 04/29/2011 page6)