Floating new ideas to represent modernity

A massive blue hibiscus blooms on Hunan province's float in today's parade. The craft showcases an unconventional design that intrigues viewers and displays the province's best characteristics.

"I'm quite confident that it's unique among the floats, because of its design, its color scheme and its use of new technologies," says Tang Renchun, an official in charge of the show's preparations. "It perfectly displays Hunan's achievements over the past 60 years."

The 15-m-long float is named Splendid Xiaoxiang, and combines Hunan's history and modernity.