A ceremony marking the 2-year countdown to the 2014 Qingdao international Horticultural Expo (QIHE) was held on April 25 in Qingdao located in east China's Shandong province.

Qingdao Mayor, Zhang Xinqi, said the day marked the start of the final phase of preparation for the 2014 Qingdao International Horticultural Expo.

"A sense of urgency and responsibility is critical to finish the preparation in such a short time," he said at the launching ceremony.

"We intend to host a world-class horticultural event featuring Chinese fashion, Shandong elements and Qingdao brands."

"All participants shall race against time, take part in every duty and strive for excellence to ensure the site construction runs smoothly."

Zhang also expressed his expectations for all Qingdao citizens to get involved in the event by taking part in various activities, such as learning oral English.

All departments of the Qingdao Municipal Government are making collaborative efforts to make the city more qualified for QIHE, especially in transportation and environment.

With a theme of "From the Earth, For the Earth", the 2014 QIHE will be held from April to October in the Baiguo Mountain Forest Park of Qingdao and is expected to attract an estimated 1.2 million visitors. With a planned exposition area of 241 hectares, the space will be divided into two parts—one for the theme shows and the other for visitor activities.

According to an official release from the QIHE executive committee, a new concept of "forest in the air" will be adopted. By growing woody plants on the roof of some buildings, an effect of three-dimensional forestation will be achieved. The executive committee has had a teleconference with experts from Italy and they will conduct further field research in Qingdao later this month.

By Xie Chuanjiao and Huang Yaning (China Daily Qingdao Bureau)

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Rakhee M