(Source: Consulate General of China in New York, Zhengzhou Culture, Tourism, and Sports Group) On March 2nd local time, the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show grandly opened at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This internationally renowned event, celebrated as the "Kingdom of Flowers," once again captivated the world with its vibrant floral displays in 2024. The Zhengzhou exhibition at this year's show was hosted by the People's Government of Zhengzhou Municipality, organized by the Zhengzhou Landscape Bureau and Zhengzhou Culture, Tourism, and Sports Group Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the US-China Business and Travel Association (Window to Philadelphia).
Consul General Huang Ping of the Consulate General of China in New York attended the Zhengzhou Garden Launch Ceremony at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and delivered a speech. Attendees included Chen Hongmin, Vice Mayor of Zhengzhou; New York State Assembly Member Lester Chang; Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street; Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla; Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Gregg Caren, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Matías Tarnopolsky, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Nearly 200 guests from various sectors in Pennsylvania, including senior officials from the Philadelphia Commerce Department and the Mexican Consul General in Philadelphia, were also present.
Huang Ping noted that the Philadelphia Flower Show, with its 195-year history, is a world leader in horticulture, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Zhengzhou's participation, following Chengdu, showcases the beauty of the East, Chinese culture, and the Chinese people's pursuit of a better life through the medium of flowers. This is expected to enhance friendly exchanges between the peoples of China and the United States, enrich the cultural diversity of the flower show, and attract more visitors and cities to participate, fulfilling shared aspirations for a beautiful life.
Huang Ping highlighted Zhengzhou's rich cultural heritage as the birthplace of the Yellow Emperor and its status as the home of the Shaolin Temple, a symbol of Chinese martial arts. He also emphasized Zhengzhou's strategic location, vibrant population, and commitment to green innovation, inviting everyone to visit and invest in Zhengzhou.
Huang Ping emphasized China's commitment to high-quality development and the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," ensuring future generations can enjoy both material wealth and a beautiful natural environment. He noted the significance of the 45th anniversary of Sino-US diplomatic relations and the sister-state relationships between Fujian and Pennsylvania, and Tianjin and Philadelphia. Increased direct flights, easier visa processes, and enhanced cultural exchanges will help strengthen people-to-people ties and write new chapters in bilateral friendship.
Chen Hongmin introduced Zhengzhou's historical culture and socio-economic achievements, expressing hopes to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Philadelphia through the flower show, exploring new areas and opportunities for practical collaboration.
New York State Assembly Member Lester Chang and Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street both emphasized the importance of US-China relations and the role of cultural exchanges in building mutual trust and friendship. Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla highlighted the alignment of development philosophies between Philadelphia and China and the need for sustained efforts to foster mutual understanding.
Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, praised the Zhengzhou exhibition for its unique design and its role in introducing Chinese culture to international visitors. He expressed hopes for more Chinese cities to participate in future shows.
Gregg Caren and Matías Tarnopolsky both underscored the importance of continued cultural and economic exchanges between the US and China, noting the positive impact of such interactions on bilateral relations and global confidence.
The Zhengzhou Culture and Tourism Promotion Event, held concurrently at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, featured performances of Shaolin Kung Fu, the violin piece "Butterfly Lovers," and Yu Opera's "Hua Mulan," which received enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event also included interactive elements, such as teaching guests traditional Yu Opera movements.
During the promotion event, Zhang Wenlong, President of the US-China Business and Travel Association and founder of Window to Philadelphia, received a commendation from New York State Assembly Member Lester Chang for his efforts in promoting US-China friendly exchanges.
The 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, with its theme "United by Flowers," showcased the perfect blend of natural beauty, artistic elegance, and human ingenuity. The Zhengzhou exhibition, themed "Kung Fu Zhengzhou, Blooming Songshan," stood out with its integration of the majestic Songshan Mountain and Shaolin Temple, traditional Chinese flowers like roses and peonies, and creative horticultural displays that combined martial arts elements with floral artistry, captivating visitors from around the world.
In addition to traditional Chinese flowers, the Zhengzhou exhibition featured various local horticultural landscapes, including exquisite bonsai and innovative floral designs that highlighted the harmony between martial arts and nature. The exhibition also promoted Zhengzhou's unique cultural tourism charm, with the "Snow King" mascot particularly delighting young visitors.
The event was covered by major media outlets, including 6ABC, Xinhua News Agency, China News Service, and Shanghai Oriental TV. Zhengzhou, the second Chinese city to participate in the flower show after Chengdu, drew significant attention with its cultural displays, including traditional Chinese opera and martial arts performances, and interactive elements that engaged visitors in experiencing Chinese culture firsthand.
The 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show and Zhengzhou Culture and Tourism Promotion Event marked not only the beginning of a floral spectacle but also a new chapter in cultural exchange between China and the United States. Through the medium of flowers, Zhengzhou showcased its historical and cultural charm to the world, inviting global attention and cooperation in its journey towards a more open and vibrant future.
