Fangcun, lying southwest of Guangzhou's downtown area and south of the Pearl River, has a population of about 323 800. It has been well known for its flower planting since as early as the 9th century AD.

With present market demand ever increasing in flower-loving Guangzhou and nation wide, the flower production area in the district has grown to exceed 600 hectares. Two thirds of the farmers in the district are engaged in flower planting or related businesses, such as ornamental fish breeding and turf farming.

Flowers, potted plants and landscaping trees from Fangcun have been sold to places all over China and exported abroad to over 100 countries and regions, producing a turnover of millions of yuan.

Since 1998, Fangcun District has been building on the area's geological, transport and sales advantages by investing in Guangzhou Flower Exposition Park. The site is being developed as China's "Flora Valley" and also a center for research and development as well as production, sales and tourism.

The park, a key project approved by Guangzhou Development & Planning Committee and Planning Bureau, occupies an area of 261 hectares and has drawn foreign investment of over $ 600 million. Over 106 domestic and overseas flora enterprises are involved in local trade of flowers.

Editor: Catherine