The 2016 Guangdong Zhanjiang Flower Exposition opened at the Nanguo Flower Science and Technology Park in Zhanjiang's Mazhang district, on Jan 30.

With a theme of "flowers in full bloom to beautify Zhanjiang", the exposition will showcase the bright outlook of the Zhanjiang flower industry to the outside world despite the cold snap in January, said Xiao Bin, chairman of the Zhanjiang Association for Science and Technology in his opening speech at the event.

Scheduled from Jan 30 to Feb 12, the exposition is divided into six display sectors.

With an area of 100,000 square meters, the Nianxiao Flower Display Sector presents about 500 kinds of flowers to visitors. (Nianxiao flower means flowers in full bloom between January and February each year, including daffodils, gladioluses and roses. People usually purchase them as decorations for their homes during Spring Festival.)

Visitors can not only pick up suitable flowers as festive decorations but can enjoy themselves in the entertainment and specialties sectors, according to Lin Jianying, head of the organizing committee of the exposition.

The successful launching of the flower exposition marks the beginning of the transition of Zhanjiang's flower industry from a traditional marketing model to tourism and leisure culture as the main growth driver, said Ke Zhao, deputy warden of Mazhang district.

Government officials in Zhanjiang announce the launching of the 2016 Guangdong Zhanjiang Flower Exposition by touching a crystal ball at the launching ceremony on Jan 30. [Photo/gdzjdaily.com.cn]

Zhanjiang locals pick up festive flowers to decorate their homes during the exposition.[Photo/gdzjdaily.com.cn]