Twenty-three thousand tulips, all kinds of family displays and various DIY flower arranging experiences: these made up only part of the first Flower Festival in Hefei city.

According to Shan Hu, the deputy secretary of Baohu District committee, the festival was an experiment of the flower industry in Hefei. As people lead better lives, there is a growing wish for flowers, so Hefei is developing its flower industry to meet increasing demand.

Zhao Guorong, the general secretary of Hefei's Flowers and Plants Association pointed out that the demand for flowers has more than doubled since five years ago. But the current supply has not kept up with demand, which is partly due to weather conditions.

Yunnan province, the "Plant Kindom", is looking to bring its flowers into Hefei and some other areas. Many of these were on display at the festival.

Temporary buses to the Niujiao Embankment To facilitate tourists' trips to the flower festival, temporary buses from Binhu Times Square to the Niujiao Embankment were available from April 30 to May 3. The buses started at Binhu Times Square, passed Huizhou Avenue and Niujiao Avenue and reached the Niujiao reception center every half hour from 8:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:30, included in the standard ticket price.