Foreign journalists toured the site of China’s International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 in Yanqing District, located in the northwest of Beijing, on April 14. The event, officially recognized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers and the Bureau of International Expositions, was held from April 29 to October 7, 2019.

The exhibition, known as Expo 2019 Beijing, was the largest A1-category international horticultural exposition hosted by the Beijing municipal government and organized by the Chinese central government. Often referred to as “the International Horticultural Exhibition at the Foot of the Great Wall,” the event coincided with China’s major diplomatic activities in 2019 and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

At the opening ceremony on April 28, President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech titled “Pursuing a Green Life and Building a Beautiful Home,” emphasizing environmental protection and sustainable living. Premier Li Keqiang addressed attendees at the closing ceremony on October 9, highlighting the need for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature to ensure a better future.

Under the theme “Live Green, Live Better,” the exhibition featured participation from 110 countries and international organizations. The event showcased indoor floricultural displays, competitions, and over 3,200 cultural activities across more than 100 outdoor exhibition gardens, including the China Pavilion, the International Pavilion, the Botanical Pavilion, and the Life Experience Pavilion. These exhibits demonstrated advancements in horticulture and green ecological development, alongside presentations of diverse cultural elements from China and participating nations.

Attendance at the exhibition reached approximately 9.34 million visitors, marking the event as a significant platform for the promotion of global horticulture. This was China’s second A1-category International Horticultural Exhibition, following the 1999 event held in Kunming.

Yanqing District, chosen as the exhibition site for its favorable ecological environment and distinct seasonal climate—cold winters and cool summers—serves as an important ecological conservation area for Beijing and is recognized as the city’s “summer capital.”

The Expo’s theme embodied a dual focus: “Live Green” encouraged respect for, protection of, and integration with nature, promoting principles of green, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly living through horticulture. “Live Better” reflected the ambition to advance resource conservation, environmental sustainability, and the growth of international horticulture, fostering collaboration toward a vibrant and sustainable global community. The overarching concept sought to harmonize horticulture with nature and inspire a deep connection between people and the natural world.