The Second Hebei Garden Expo opened in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, on July 16. Under the theme of green development, the expo, which runs through October 18, displays three types of landscapes: mountains and plateaus, forests and grasslands, as well as rivers, lakes and wetlands.

In addition, themed gardens at the expo park show distinctive features from different Chinese cities and regions with characteristic architecture and plant species. More than half of the 133-hectare park area is green land, hosting 636 plant varieties.

With a total investment of 1.8 billion yuan ($264 million), the expo park represents the largest-ever greening and gardening project in Qinhuangdao.

Over 20 activities, including an urban planning and design competition, an ikebana exhibition, a gourmet festival and academic exchange meetings, will be held during the expo.

Qinhuangdao is a port city located at the junction of north and northeast China. Famous for its beautiful coast and historical attractions, the city is a hot tourist spot for domestic and overseas travelers.

(All photos by Guo Shasha)

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo