CCTV9英语新闻：中国2014年青岛世界园艺博览会（在线收听）

The International Horticultural Exhibition has quite a reputation, and has long been hailed as the Olympics of horticulture. It aims to demonstrate the world’s most advanced technology in horticulture and floriculture.

Qingdao International Horticultural Expo opens

The International Horticultural Exhibition is at the highest level for specialized international expos. The event has been held over 30 times in cities across the world since it was first held in 1960 in Rotterdam.

This is the 4th time the expo has been held in China, with the first in Kunming in 1999 and the second in Shenyang in 2006, followed by Xi’an in 2011. The expo is designed to be environmentally conscious and innovative, with the theme "From the earth, for the Earth".

"Our interpretation of the expo theme is encouraging people to go back to nature. We have upheld a major principle throughout the planning and design process, and that is to be ecologically oriented through innovation. For example, new technology is being used to conserve water and energy," said Zhou Hong, Organizing Committee of Qingdao Int'l Horticultural Expo.

Qingdao International Horticultural Expo opens

It is also the first time for the expo to be staged in a coastal Chinese city. The expo differs from previous events by displaying marine flora and maritime culture at an ocean botanical pavilion.

"The Ocean element is definitely a highlight of this year’s event. Qingdao is a coastal city which is home to an abundance of plants and flowers. Visitors can see for themselves," said Zhou.

Over 40 countries and regions are participating in this year’s event, showcasing nearly 2,000 rare or new plant varieties. The expo committee has promised to give visitors an experience they will not soon forget.