Colorful giant panda made from flowers at Shunyi Flower Expo. Photo: CFP

By Zhang Hui

The 7th China Flower Expo opened Saturday in Shunyi district, and will last 10 days.

Most of the flowers are foreign to the local environment. But organizers boast they have used high tech methods like temperature control, shade and nutrient solutions so the flowers will stay alive.

There are over 200,000 exhibits, including those from North Korea, Japan, Thailand and the Netherlands.

The displayed items include cut flowers, ornamental foliage plants, flower fertilizer, scientific research results and new technologies related to flowers as well as flower arrangement.

The show is part of Shunyi district's plan to bloom into the flower capital of Northern China. Shunyi has invested 150 million yuan ($21.96 million) to attract over 20 flower companies to the area, said Expo spokesman Pi Yaming.

"Close to the airport, we'll develop an aviation economy, with an exhibition economy as one of its main components," Pi told the Global Times.

"It will greatly contribute to the overall economy of Shunyi district, and will certainly be profit-making."

The main exhibition hall will hold other activities, fairs, and exhibitions after the Expo finishes. This is part of the long-term plan for the overall development of Shunyi.

Guo Yingchun, a 24-year old teacher who is crazy about flowers, told the Global Times, "There must be so many flowers from abroad! I wish I could get some to my home."