PHILADELPHIA, the United States, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Amid the garden installations at the Philadelphia Flower Show, a small booth attracted visitors by inviting them to tour China.
Organized by the Sino-American Business & Travel Association and the China National Tourist Office in New York, the booth introduced visitors to travel destinations across China, from scenic landscapes, historic sites, to vibrant modern cities.
Pennsylvania State Representative Keith Harris, who visited the booth, told Xinhua that his earliest impression of China came from martial arts films.
"My first introduction to China was Bruce Lee," he said. "I saw all his movies -- I was the Bruce Lee kid in my neighborhood."
Over time, that curiosity grew into a broader appreciation of Chinese culture and the significant contributions of Chinese communities in the United States.
"Chinese communities bring so much culturally and educationally," Harris said. "They inspire other ethnic groups in this country through technology, engineering, and of course the food. I think we all have a lot to learn from each other."
"The Flower Show is not only a celebration of gardening, but also an important window into city culture and international exchange," said James Zhang, president of the Sino-American Business & Travel Association.
Founded in 1829 and organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the Philadelphia Flower Show is the oldest and largest indoor horticultural exhibition in the United States, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Beyond horticulture, the event has long served as a platform for cultural and international engagement. China has participated over the years through city-themed garden installations and cultural programs featuring cities such as Hangzhou, Yangzhou, Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Qingdao.
"We've usually had very good exhibits (from China)," said Dan Harris, PHS corporate relations manager. "It was harder to get one together this year, but we still have a tourism office (booth), and we're looking forward to bringing back a larger display next year."
At the booth, staff provided practical information about traveling to China, including visa policies, flight options and suggested itineraries.
During the event running from Feb. 28 to March 8, more than 500 attendees had registered their email addresses to receive travel information about visiting China. Souvenirs featuring traditional Chinese cultural elements, such as paper fans, Chinese knot ornaments and pens, were also well received.
"Local people have a strong interest in China, especially through things like flower shops and cultural displays," Harris said. ■