The bamboo plant is an integral part of Chinese culture, and its popularity is spreading across the world. The city of Meishan in southwest China's Sichuan Province is well known for its rich bamboo resources. And the city is HOSTING an EXHIBITION on the bamboo industry. Take a look.

The expo kicked off with an opening ceremony on Friday. About a 50-minute show was staged featuring music performed on various kinds of instruments made of bamboo. They were brought by folk artists from countries such as Japan, Vietnam, Madagascar and Ecuador. Themed "Bamboo Connecting the World", the expo has attracted more than 500 participants from over 40 countries and regions. Events such as a bamboo products exhibition, talks on bamboo trade and forums on the bamboo industry were held.

HUAN PHILIPPE MERCHANT FROM ECUADOR "It's a good opportunity for me to communicate with people from all over the world, to exchange experiences, enhance understanding of bamboo culture and sharpen our competitiveness. I think bamboo is a treasure given by nature. It's a recyclable material fit for the green concept of development."

It's decided that the exposition will be held annually in Meishan starting this year. SW, CGTN.