An artist's impression of the planned peacock-shaped floral sculpture, to be erected in the Chongchuan district of Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A floral extravaganza, to decorate areas along the banks of the Haohe River – the ancient moat which surrounds the old town in Nantong city, in East China's Jiangsu province – was recently launched.

In order to welcome tourists from around the world during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, the Haohe River management office announced details of the program, which will use masses of brightly colored flowers and plants.

Floral sculptures will be laid out – mainly at the square in front of the Haohe River tourist center, at bell tower square and at Xigongyuan Park square.

The main steel frame has been erected for a giant peacock-shaped sculpture and the flowers to be used in it have been laid out for transplanting in the square. It is expected that it will become a unique landscape feature by the river.

"The peacock-shaped floral sculpture is not suitable for off-site construction due to its complicated shape and difficult craftsmanship," said Wang Qiang, an official at the scenic area's management office.

"It will be assembled on-site and displayed to the public earlier than the others," Wang added.

This year, the Haohe River scenic area will be decorated with more than 600 square meters of flowers and plants.

In addition to the massive peacock, there will be floral tributes themed on Zhang Jian culture and the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Both sides of roads in Nantong will also hang national flags, to create an inspiring atmosphere for the National Day holiday.