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The opening ceremony for the Hong Kong Garden at the International Horticultural Exposition 2014 Qingdao (the Expo) took place in Qingdao today (April 25).
Representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jonathan McKinley; the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Raymond Fan; and the Project Director of the Architectural Services Department, Mrs Alice Yu, officiated at the ceremony this afternoon after attending the opening of the Expo in the morning. Also attending the ceremony were the Vice Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Expo, Mr Du Ben-hao, and the Deputy Managing Director of Shui On Construction Company Limited and contractor of the Hong Kong Garden, Mr Stephen Lee.
To tie in with the theme of the Expo, "From the Earth, for the Earth", the Hong Kong Garden is titled "Hong Kong - A Livable City" and features a series of triangular pavilions that portray Hong Kong's hilly landscape. There are four themed areas, namely the Marine Park, the Wetland, the Geopark and the Country Park. These areas showcase Hong Kong's natural landscape and also enable visitors to learn about the natural resources and habitats of Hong Kong's countryside.
The Hong Kong Garden, which covers an area of 1,224 square metres, is prominently located in the Chinese Garden - one of the Expo's 12 main gardens. Facilities are accessible via a barrier-free path that creates a vision of integrated development with the environment. The design of the garden's pavilions integrates vertical greenery, solar-powered features and informative displays. In addition, various seasonal flowers commonly found in the city have been planted in the garden to reflect Hong Kong's dynamic urban life.
The Expo is located in Licang District's Baiguo Mountain Forest Park and covers a total area of 241 hectares. It runs from today until October 25, with the aim of promoting harmony between man and nature as well as low-carbon, environmentally friendly development.
Ends/Friday, April 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:01
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