![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Kunming was the site for the World Horticultural Exposition in 1999. This was a gigantic deal, and they built this huge park for the Expo. In addition to the many exhibition centers on the site, countries from around the world came and built examples of their native land's gardens on small plots. Most have some kind of building surrounded by a garden. Each of China's provinces also has a plot where they built gardens and buildings in the province's traditional style. Most of the international sites have gone somewhat to seed, most notably the American site. For some reason the American theme was Texas, USA. Texas?! Yeah, when I think of American gardens, I think FIRST of Texas. Anyway, the building was abandoned and the grounds were mostly dirt. I guess it really did look like Texas, though. The Chinese provincial sites, however, were stunning. The exhibition halls and most international sites have been given over to selling Chinese tourist crap, which was a little disappointing if not unexpected. The ticket price to get in is an astronomical 100 kuai, so I don't expect to be going back anytime soon. This place could be really great, if only they put a little more effort into it. I would like to have seen it in 99, when I'll bet it was much better than today. |