The construction site of the venue for the 13th Guangxi (Hechi) Garden and Horticultural Expo. [Photo/hechi.gov.cn]

Construction of the 13th Guangxi (Hechi) Garden and Horticultural Expo's venue is progressing steadily in Hechi's Yizhou New Area.

The project, covering a total area of 242 hectares, is expected to cost 1.05 billion yuan ($161.73 million), breaking a historical record in terms of its scale compared with previous events.

After more than a year's construction, the project has to date seen an overall cost of 475 million yuan. The main exhibition hall of the event is 60 percent finished.

The design of the project is themed on two major regional Hechi culture elements, namely folk songs and longevity culture.