Various bonsais are on display at the 2021 China National Small and Micro Bonsai Exhibition and Bonsai Trading Conference held in Rugao, Nantong on May 28. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The 2021 China National Small and Micro Bonsai Exhibition and Bonsai Trading Conference opened in Rugao, Nantong on May 28, attracting planters, dealers, bonsai artists, and scholars from across the country.

A total of 407 sets of bonsai in various styles were on display at the exhibition. Each of them was equipped with a QR code, which visitors could scan to buy.

In addition, exhibitors displayed materials, stones, redwood decorations, and other related items and tools at 200 standard booths, while another 200 companies rented greenhouses stretching over a total area of more than 53 hectares around the exhibition center, selling more than 600,000 sets of bonsai.

Live streams and online auctions were also held during the four-day event.

Bonsai artists showcase their skills at the exhibition in Rugao on May 28.[Photo/ntfabu.com]

Other highlights included industrial forums, bonsai-making performances, and tutoring sessions from bonsai experts.

Small and micro-sized bonsais are popular for being easy to carry and take care of, said Ding Xinghua, deputy Party secretary of Rugao, at the opening ceremony.

Ding said that Rugao launched a five-year development plan for a small and micro-sized bonsai base in 2020, according to which the city will invest 500 million yuan ($78.55 million) into the building of a distribution center involving bonsai planting, processing, exporting, materials production and supply, exhibition, and sales.

Rugao, known as the "home of bonsai" in China, has more than 13,340 hectares of plantations for flowers, trees, and bonsais. Over 100,000 people are involved in the entire industrial chain, which is worth more than 20 billion yuan.

The local government carries out bonsai talent initiatives each year, including spending 2 million yuan to cultivate 10 bonsai artists and offering subsidies to those who win awards in provincial and national competitions, and those who promote innovation in the industry.