The 2014 Qingdao International Horticultural Expo kicked off at the Qingdao Baiguoshan Forest Park on April 25. The event will last for 184 days -- until October.

Themed "From the Earth and for the Earth," the event – taking place across a 241-hectare garden -- will present more than 1,800 types of plants, including 700 kinds of original plants from Qingdao.

Exhibitions that showcase environmentally friendly ways of processing waste, a pavilion that demonstrates an energy-saving water recycling system and works of art that promote the frugal use of natural resources are all put on display to highlight the environmental protection theme.

To ensure that visitors to the expo park are exposed to a variety of green technology, gardening artists and architects have been encouraged to use materials that are renewable and environmentally friendly.

The expo park will be open to civil servants after the event concludes.