The President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, inaugurated on Sunday 28 April 2019 the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition that will open its doors from 29 April to 7 October 2019. This international horticultural exhibition, also called Expo 2019 Beijing, will give Belgium the opportunity to boost its visibility in China and support trade between the two countries.
Belgium took the decision to take part in the horticultural exhibition in Beijing in December 2017. The aim? To promote Belgium's image, highlight its economic and scientific actors, and give a boost to our country's horticultural professionals. Expo 2019 Beijing will attract millions of curious visitors. This international event will be held in the small town of Yanqing, known as the lungs of the capital, being situated in a green valley surrounded by mountains.
The central theme of the exhibition is "live green, live better". The gardens encourage ecological and economical behaviour and invite visitors to take a respectful and protective approach to nature, thereby embodying the concept of "live green". The concept of "live better" involves research and education on environmental protection and horticultural development. Specialists from around the world will rub shoulders at the exhibition to exchange ideas and of course discover the Belgian garden.
The Belgian General Commission for international exhibitions, or BelExpo, invited more than 20 experts to take part in a public contract to design the garden. The firm Nicolas Godelet 戈建 Architects & Engineers won the contract with an excellent project that reflects the Belgian countryside. It invites visitors to explore an undulating meadow featuring the flowers, plants and shrubs which are typical of Belgian and Chinese nurseries. To give these plants the very best treatment, the Belgian garden has selected the natural 'Plant Force' products from EMTI.
A cloud-shaped structure towers over these green spaces. Thanks to a subtle balance of pillars and cables, the cloud literally floats in the air. It is a world first: a closed tensegrity on such a scale has never been presented to the public before now.
The cloud-shaped installation houses the central esplanade for the exhibition. This esplanade is made up of different exhibition spaces, separated by gardens. As for the square, it is circular and symbolises the unity and vitality of Belgium. It offers visitors a space for exchanges and encounters. This dynamic also illustrates Belgium's strength, as an economic and geographical centre in the world. Millions of visitors to the exhibition will be able to stroll around, discover Belgium and enjoy typical Belgian beers, like the famous Hoegaarden.
The Belgian garden will undoubtedly be a fantastic opportunity for our country.
