A flower exhibition, preparing the way for the 2010 World Expo, opens at the Shanghai Botanic Garden this weekend. Flowers of numerous species will bloom over an area covering 300-thousand square meters. Staff are hard at work, making final arrangements.

The Botanic Garden is transformed into a haven filled with exotic fragrances, as pots of flowers arrive.

Landscapes are arranged to capture future elements of Shanghai World Expo. This one, which carries the message of "the City, Making Life Better" is modelled after China Hall. "Haibao is Coming", heralds the expo mascot, with five Haibao, surrounded by hundreds of flower blossoms.

More than 50 theme sites will be set up by the week-end. Thanks go to over 70 exhibitors from home and abroad. According to the director of the Botanic Garden, each week will have a different theme based on a different flower.

The event begins Friday. It will carry on until June, 1st.

(CCTV.com March 27, 2008)