A foreign buyer selects artificial flowers at the 19th National Artificial Flower Exhibition in Yiwu on March 4. [Photo/Tide News]

The 19th National Wedding Props, Festive Supplies, Artificial Flowers & Home Decorations (Yiwu) Trade Fair, also known as the Artificial Flower Exhibition, commenced in Yiwu, Jinhua, Zhejiang province on March 4.

This marks the first exhibition in Yiwu after the Spring Festival, drawing nearly 1,000 companies nationwide, utilizing a total exhibition area of 54,500 square meters across seven exhibition halls.

The exhibition featured renowned brands and original manufacturers in the realms of national wedding props, artificial plants and flowers, festive supplies, and decorative props. Compared to last year, the exhibition expanded by 20,000 square meters, reaching a record high.

Since its establishment in 2009, the trade fair has amassed a total exhibition area of 473,000 square meters. With approximately 12,300 exhibitors participating over the years, it has attracted 600,000 professional visitors from both domestic and international markets.

In March, Yiwu is set to host seven exhibitions, including the 2024 China Yiwu International Automobile and Motorcycle Parts Fair, the 22nd China Frame and Decorative Painting Exhibition, and the Post-Photography Industrial Expo.

These exhibitions are expected to play a crucial role in introducing and nurturing exhibition activities, fostering negotiations and transactions, expanding markets, and stimulating consumption, as highlighted by a local official.