Environmental focus at intl gathering

"Maybe you are not familiar with the city of Qingdao, but you must know its Tsingtao beer. Maybe you missed the 2008 Olympic Regatta in Qingdao, but here is a chance for you to see the city for the 2014 Qingdao International Horticultural Expo," said Li Fengli, secretary-general of the expo's executive committee.

The event is due to start on April 25 and run until Oct 25 in the harbor city that faces South Korea across the Yellow Sea. Qingdao is an economic hub of Shandong province, where China's greatest philosopher Confucius was born.

The event venue covers 241 hectares and includes a 164-hectare theme park area, an experience zone for visitors and a 55-hectare Expo Village that provides logistical support.