WKU students explore a world of culture at Wenzhou’s Garden Expo
Group photo of students and faculty at the Wenzhou Garden Expo.
Ouhai, Wenzhou: In the days leading up to China’s Youth Day, WKU students explored the Wenzhou Garden Expo. The garden features plants and architectural styles from across the world, including France, Italy, Japan, the United States and several Chinese cities.
The group was led by Harry H., a WKU student who interned at the Expo for two months during its development. Drawing from his experience, Harry guided students through the exhibition spaces and explained the significance of the Garden Expo to both Wenzhou and its international partnerships.
The friendship between Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, and Union County, New Jersey, USA, is featured as a special highlight of the Wenzhou Garden Expo. It aims to connect the United States and China through shared interests in agriculture and architecture while showcasing the beauty of diversity between different parts of the world. Gabby H. shared, “I think the Garden can help broaden people’s view of the world, and make them have a better understanding of different cultures.”
The international atmosphere of the Expo also gave students an opportunity to experience cultural exchange firsthand. Celine G. from China described the experience of exploring the gardens alongside students from different backgrounds, saying, “It’s an amazing experience because I can see not only my own views but also their visions. I can see the culture in China and how others feel about different Asian styles.”
Exchange students visit the Union County Garden, a symbol of friendship between China and the United States
Preparations for the Wenzhou Garden Expo began in February 2023, with the site officially opening to the public in April 2026. The Expo features six exhibition areas, including the Ou Culture and New Chinese Zone, the Children’s Garden Zone, the Specialized Plant Zone, the Garden Materials and Landscape Art Zone, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Zone and the Future Garden Zone. Together, these spaces aim to integrate nature into urban life and encourage harmony between the city and its environment. The Expo aims to integrate the garden into Wenzhou city, promote synergy between the city and nature, ad transform its urban public spaces.
Students were particularly impressed by the design and atmosphere of the gardens. Jason M. commented on the artistic inspiration he found throughout the visit, stating, “I think the overall experience was aesthetically pleasing. I love the ambiance of the entire garden. I will come again because it gives me a lot of inspiration, from the American to the Italian garden.”
For Nyah N., who had previously visited the site during earlier stages of development, the transformation of the Expo was especially striking. “The garden has expanded so much since the last time we were here. It’s amazing seeing the progress made in just a few weeks. It’s also exciting to see so many people here enjoying the space and learning about other cultures the same way that I am,” she said.
Opening on April 15, the Garden Expo will run for 100 days through July 2026 and has already attracted more than 2.18 million visits during its trial operation, averaging around 40,000 visitors per day. As more visitors continue to explore the Expo, the gardens will inspire people to appreciate cultural diversity, environmental sustainability, and international connections.
Writer: Amori Cross-Faulks
Proofreader: Wenwei XIANG
