Visitors admire the bonsai displayed at the 17th Jiangsu Bonsai Art Exhibition in Rugao, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

The 17th Jiangsu Bonsai Art Exhibition opened in Rugao on Oct 30, and China's first Bonsai 4S Service Center was launched alongside it.

The service center aims to address three key challenges facing the bonsai industry: a lack of proper post-sale care, a fragmented market, and the disconnect between online and offline services. By introducing a unique service model that combines sales, services, spare parts, and survey and swap, the center represents a significant shift for the industry from traditional product sales to comprehensive, customer-focused services.

Qu Hui, vice-president of the Jiangsu Flower Association, noted that the new center will provide a sustainable development path for the bonsai industry. "This center solves the maintenance problems that many bonsai enthusiasts face and will help push bonsai art beyond just niche collectors to a broader consumer base," he said. "It will allow more people to enjoy the beauty bonsai brings to daily life."

The event will last for four days and focus on both sales and innovation. It aims to build a robust bonsai sales system and create a specialized bonsai marketplace to stimulate production. The event also highlights online sales models as a way to reach more bonsai lovers.

Various bonsai are on display at the exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

In addition to these sales efforts, the exhibition offers platforms for both sharing and collecting bonsai, as well as for showcasing innovative techniques. It also hosts creative contests and performances to enhance practical bonsai-related skills and teach the public about bonsai creation and maintenance techniques.

Rugao currently boasts a horticultural planting area of over 8,000 hectares, with an annual output of over 3 million bonsai. The total output of its bonsai industry has exceeded 20 billion yuan ($2.81 billion).