Horticultural Expo 2019 Beijinghas closed its gates, ending a 162-day journey into the theme “Live Green, Live Better”. The closing of the Expo was today marked by aspectacular ceremonyin the presence of the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and more than 900 guests including government leaders and officials from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

　　Closing ceremony of Expo 2019 Beijing

　　Taking place at the foot of the Great Wall, Expo 2019 Beijing gathered 110 international participants as well as cities, provinces, companies and organisations. Situated on an exhibition area covering 502 hectares, it was the largest Horticultural Expo ever organised. Between its opening on 29 April and its closing, the Expo received a total of 9.34 million visitors.

　　BIE Secretary General, Vicente G. Loscertales, speaks during the Closing Ceremony of Horticultural Expo 2019 Beijing

　　In a speech during the closing ceremony, the Secretary General of the BIE, Vicente G. Loscertales declared:“Expo 2019 Beijing has been a resounding success. The Expo has embraced green civilization, green innovation, art and culture. It has educated and entertained visitors and it has clearly demonstrated that humankind can live in harmony with nature.”

　　Expo 2019 Beijing. Credit: CGTN

　　With its theme addressing the development of ecological civilization, Expo 2019 Beijing drew visitors’ attention to the pressing environmental challenges facing China and the world. The latest green technologies and innovative ideas were shown throughout the Expo site, with the 23,000m2 China Pavilion, the Botanical Pavilion, the Yongning Tower and the Life Experience Pavilion among the most visited venues.

　　The Expo’s cultural programme proved just as popular as the pavilions, with a total of 3,284 events taking place during the course of the Expo, and the National Day celebrations in the Guirui Theatre being particularly appreciated by visitors. In addition to the cultural events, several thematic forums and conferences also formed a key part of the Expo’s programme, tackling issues ranging from sponge cities to ‘vertical forests’.

　　Expo 2019 Beijing was the 21st International Horticultural Exhibition to take place under the auspices of the BIE. Thenext Horticultural Expo will take place in Doha, Qatar between 14 October 2021 and 17 March 2022 under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment.”