Chengdu expo lays out examples for better ecological development

Briercliffe said he liked the traditional culture displayed in gardens from different cities in China such as Yangzhou, but he's more interested in how greenery can connect with people's daily lives, especially in big cities with their concrete and buildings.

A small rooftop courtyard decorated with plants and flowers in the Shanghai garden display at the expo left a strong impression.

"Everyone has walls and roofs, so they can be converted into something horticultural. When people from other cities visit, they will see ideas and concepts that they can apply on a city level," he said.

The idea of having "green walls" in cities is something that Briercliffe said he's seen in several cities across China.

Green walls require technology to achieve, because getting water and fertilizer to plants on a high wall is no easy feat, he said.

"The policy of ecological development in China's cities is being implemented in a way that other countries are not doing. I hope this expo is an opportunity for other cities around the world to see that they can do the same," he said.

Tim Edwards, former board member of AIPH, agreed. He visited China's capital in 2019 for the Beijing World Horticultural Exhibition, which was the largest international horticultural expo ever held. The 503-hectare expo site attracted 9.34 million visitors in the months it was open.