The First Beijing Agricultural Carnival began last Saturday and will run until May 12. Hosted by the Strawberry Expo Garden in Changping, the festival runs every day from 9am to 5pm. Tickets can be bought on the spot or in advance (online or at your local post office) for RMB 50 per person (free for kids under 1.2m).
The show is sponsored by the Beijing Rural Work Committee and Changping District’s government. The exposition is divided into three halls and includes two parks: a theme park and a fruit-picking park where visitors can relax in after touring the displays.
Around 300 groups from China and abroad are attending the show and exhibiting more than 700 different kinds of agricultural products. For the geek in you, the festival also gives visitors a chance to learn about the latest agricultural innovations and cultivation techniques.
In a China Daily article, Paide Science and Technology Development Co. Project Manager Leng Xizhuan explains that the aim of the carnival is to allow visitors to “bring some practical knowledge back home, such as household and office greening tips."
The carnival also addresses green issues and food safety. For example, one display features new machines that are able to measure the level of harmful substances in produce, such as pesticide residues used in the growing process.
Middle andprimary school students can join the Youth Carnival (March 26 – May 10), interviewing guests and contributing to enhance the understanding of agriculture technologies.The organizer of the event will also provide local schools material to let children know more about agriculture.
Art fans will also have something to look forward to, such as sculptures made from food products (sweet potatoes and turnip, for one). Families can also make images using seeds of different colors and take their handiwork home.
In addition, the Photographers’ Association of Changping District organized a photo competition. The theme is “Agriculture Carnival in My Eyes,” which aims to capture the most meaningful moments from the carnival. You have until April 20 to submit your work. The photos will then be exhibited in the Agriculture Technology Exhibition Area from May 1-12.
Photo from flickr user theloushe
