A horticulture expo in east China's Qingdao City is promoting environmental protection and a green future, attendees said on Saturday.

Performers dance during the opening ceremony of the International Horticultural Expo in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 25, 2014. The 2014 Qingdao International Horticultural Expo will last 184 days until October. [Li Ziheng/Xinhua]

Hans Friederich, Director General of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) at the ongoing Qingdao International Horticultural Exhibition said he believes the expo will raise people's awareness and make them realize plants are not just beautiful to look at, but also have a role to play in better air quality, better life style and climate change.

"To have an expo like this really explains to people how important plants are, for our environment, and more importantly, for the urban environment and for people who live in rural areas," he said.

Officially opened on Friday, the 241-hectare garden has more than 1,800 types of plants, including 700 kinds of original plants from Qingdao.

The event, themed "from the earth and for the Earth", is expected to attract 12 million tourists before it ends on Oct. 25.

"People from all over the world will come to Qingdao, and when they see what I have seen, they will be delighted. Millions of people will be inspired, and the benefits will be enjoyed today and in future generations," said Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

Exhibitions that showcase environmentally friendly ways of processing waste, a pavilion that demonstrates an energy-saving water recycling system and works of art that promote the frugal use of natural resources are on display.

"By using visible green technologies, we hope to send an invisible message to the public of what eco-friendly technology and lifestyles should be like. Hopefully, visitors will be inspired to live a green, low-carbon life," said Li Fengli, general-secretary of the expo organizing committee.