The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)-approved International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu concluded on Monday, 28 October, with a closing ceremony. Hosted in over 242 hectares in Sichuan Province, the Expo ran from 26 April to 28 October, uniting over nine million visitors, and featuring 113 exhibition gardens from 32 countries across five continents, under the theme "Park City, Beautiful Habitat.", as stated by the AIPH.
A global platform for exchange and growth in horticulture
According to the AIPH, during the Expo, more than 100 international exchange activities and over 3,000 events took place, aiming to foster partnerships and releasing cooperation opportunities to boost the Chengdu's horticultural sector. The AIPH claims that the city's floriculture and horticulture industry now includes more than 55,000 business entities, contributing an output value exceeding 13 billion RMB.
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio highlighted the Expo's global significance, noting that it not only demonstrated China's green, low-carbon development vision but also inspired hope amid global challenges like climate change: "The Expo has presented the beauty of nature to the public and sown green seeds and hope in a time when the world faces multiple challenges. We believe the Expo's influence will extend far beyond its closing day."
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio (centre) at the Closing Award Ceremony.
Celebrating the AIPH Grand Award-Winning Gardens
The AIPH presented its esteemed Grand Awards to Nanjing Garden (China), Chengdu Garden (China), and Kofu Garden (Japan), honoring them for their use of plants and the blend of artistic design, cultural depth, and sustainability.
Nanjing Garden
An aerial view of Chengdu Garden
Kofu Garden
Further awards
The International Jury presented a series of accolades to Chinese and international gardens. These included the 'International Grand Awards': Kofu Garden (Japan), INBAR Garden, and Fez Garden (Morocco).
The 'Gold Awards': Chiang Mai Garden (Thailand), Mandalay Garden (Myanmar), Elizabeth's Garden (UK), Viña del Mar Garden (Chile), Prespace Architekten Garden (Germany), Ball Horticultural Company Garden, and Horticultura Cantallops Garden (Spain).The 'Outstanding Contribution Award' went to the People's Government of Chengdu Municipality for its support in organizing the Expo.
The International Jury awarded more awards, the full list can be found on the AIPH webiste.
Chengdu World Horticultural Expo Park
Following the Expo's closure, the main venue will be renamed "Chengdu World Horticultural Expo Park" and transformed into an urban park. "This park will serve as an enduring legacy, showcasing the results of the city's "park city" construction efforts and providing a venue for research, technology, cultural activities, and public engagement."
For more information:
AIPH
www.aiph.org