After hosting the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, Qingdao, a coastal city of Shandong province, has another chance to emerge on the international stage when it hosts the 2014 International Horticultural Exposition.

The expo spreads across 241 hectares, including 164 hectares of theme areas, 15.6 hectares of water areas, a 77-hectare experience area for visitors and a 55-hectare Expo Village to provide logistical support.

There are seven parks with themes - Chinese, Floriculture, Herb, Dreamkids, Science, Green and International, and five experience parks, including the tea-scent, agriculture, floristry, floral world and mountain parks.

So far, the main roads have been paved and pipelines have almost been put in place. The main construction projects are expected to be completed by the end of this year. All the work will be accomplished by October 2013.