Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General at the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), visits the park pavilions at the Beijing Expo 2019, April 13, 2019. (Photo provided by Beijing World Horticultural Expo Coordination Bureau)

The Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition, or Beijing Expo 2019, opened to its first batch of visitors on a trial basis two weeks ahead of the official opening, Chinanews.com reported on April 14.

Almost 30,000 visitors, mainly local citizens, arrived at the Expo park in Yanqing district of Beijing on April 13.

A total of 30 electric powered cars and 555 volunteers from local colleges and youth league committees participated in the trial operation.

Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General at the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), was among the visitors. During his visit, he praised the organization of the event, adding that he was impressed that preparations for the Beijing expo 2019 were progressing smoothly.

Visitors wander outside the iconic International Pavilion of Beijing Expo 2019. (Photo provided by Beijing World Horticultural Expo Coordination Bureau)

The Expo park will become a sightseeing destination after it opens, Briercliffe noted.

The overall construction has now been completed, according to the Beijing World Horticultural Expo Coordination Bureau.

A person in charge said that more than 4,000 members of staff in 12 working groups took part in the construction of the event, and about 2,000 volunteers from Beijing universities will join when it opens to the public.