Hunan takes center stage at horticulture expo

Central China's Hunan province is showcasing its unique ecological features and agricultural resources at the ongoing International Horticultural Exhibition in Beijing.

The province is celebrating a three-day "Hunan Day" from Sunday to Tuesday to promote the idea of green development.

Hunan is home to many great figures in Chinese history, such as Chairman Mao, "father of hybrid rice" Yuan Longping and Zeng Guofan, a senior official and military general of the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

It also has major scenic spots, including Dongting Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in China, Zhangjiajie, a picturesque tourist spot which inspired the scenery in James Cameron's blockbuster movie Avatar, and Hengshan Mountain, one of the five most renowned mountains in China.

Li Chunliang, deputy director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said at the Hunan Day opening ceremony that the province plays an important role in ecological protection in central China, and has made great effort in protecting forests, promoting afforestation and developing green industries.

The forest coverage rate of Hunan reached 59.82 percent by the end of 2018, according to Li.

Chen Wenhao, vice-governor of Hunan province, said the International Horticultural Exhibition is an important platform to promote ecological exchanges among different regions.

"We expect to display achievements Hunan has made in ecological protection, and promote the idea of harmonious co-existence between human and nature at the event," he added.