The International Horticultural Exposition opened in China's ancient city of Xi'an in northwestern Shaanxi province on April 28.

The flower and gardening event is expected to boost the city's cultural status with its long history as China's national capital for over 1,000 thousand years, and also its ecological protection and economic development.

Following is a review of the major international horticultural events held in China's mainland area since 1999. The events are recognized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

World Horticultural Exposition, Kunming, 1999

Southwest China's Kunming City, provincial capital of Yunnan Province, opened the International Garden Festival on April 30, 1999. It was the first such event hosted by China. The expo ended on Oct. 31, attracting 9.5 million visitors. All the pavilions built for the event were preserved after the event closed. It also greatly promoted the development of Yunnan's tourism, business and trade.

China International Horticultural Exposition, Shenyang, 2006

Northeast China's Shenyang City, provincial capital of Liaoning Province, opened the China International Horticultural Exposition on April 30, 2006, the second time China hosted such a professional gardening exposition. The expo ended on Oct. 31 and attracted 12.6 million visitors. The event has helped promote the city and Liaoning at home and abroad, and created business opportunities.

China International Horticultural Exposition, Xi'an, 2011

Northwest China's ancient Xi'an City, known as Chang'an in ancient Chinese history, opened the China International Horticultural Exposition on April 28. It is the third mainland city in China to host such an event.

The event, scheduled to be concluded on Oct. 22, aims to use the expo to promote its long-running history and culture as ancient China's capital city for 13 dynasties, as well as the importance in the protection of ecological systems.

During the expo, national treasures such as a four-horse bronze chariot and terracotta warriors from ancient China's Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) will be displayed in the Chang'an Tower, a landmark building in the expo park. The event is expected to attract 12 million visitors.

The AIPH is a coordinating body representing horticultural producers' organizations all over the world. It was set up in Switzerland in 1948 to stimulate international marketing of flowers, plants and landscaping services. China's AIPH membership started in 1994. Another two Chinese cities including Qingdao and Tangshan are scheduled to stage such expositions in 2014 and 2016, respectively.