Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang Province, will host the first "World Leisure Expo 2006," from April 22 to October 22, China Business News reported today.
The expo, which 16 million people are expected to visit, aims to enhance the international reputation of Zhejiang Province by exemplifying Hangzhou city as a top leisure center in China with exceptional hospitality, said Xiang Qin, vice mayor of Hangzhou.
The Leisure Expo will feature a series of exhibitions, special events, conferences, trade shows, festivals and training programs. Most of the activities will take place at the World Leisure Expo Gardens, which is now under construction at a cost of nearly US$1 billion.
One prominent attraction in the World Leisure Expo Gardens will be the "One Hundred Cities" exhibition, which has attracted attendance by many foreign cities, including Leeds, Hangzhou's twinned city in UK. Shanghai will also present prototypes of displays for the coming World Expo 2010, the report said.
Other venues for the Leisure Expo include the World Leisure Folk Garden, aiming to offer hospitality through high-quality services, and the Oriental Cultural Park, which will celebrate the major cultures and religions of Asia.
"Different from other mega-events to be held in China, such as Shanghai World Expo 2010 and Beijing Olympics 2008, the Leisure Expo is market-oriented. All investors are civil enterprises and they earn revenues from ticket sales. The government plays no part in the event except in creating a favorable environment," Xiang said.
Hangzhou, located 180 kilometers to the south of Shanghai, is the capital city of Zhejiang Province, with a population of approximately 5 million. The city boasts picturesque scenery, an abundant historical heritage and an easy access from Shanghai.
(Shanghai Daily March 1, 2006)
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