On February 14, the three‑day first Fresh Flowers, Seafood and Fruits Exhibition of Huaihua International Land Port came to a successful close at the ASEAN Economic and Trade Exhibition Center. The venue was bustling with visitors and filled with delightful fragrances. Fresh flowers from various ASEAN countries bloomed in full splendor, a wide variety of seafood was on display, and delicious fruits exuded a rich aroma. The whole scene was imbued with the joy of the Spring Festival and a booming consumption atmosphere. The event not only achieved an impressive sell‑out of all products but also allowed thousands of residents to return home with full loads.
On the afternoon of the closing day, the exhibition center was still crowded even near closing time. At the Southeast Asian specialty fruit section, Ms. Li, a local citizen, was about to leave with shopping bags full of imported durian, bananas and pitaya. “Imported fruits used to expensive, but now they are fresh and affordable,” she said with a smile. “I bought a big bag to make fruit platters for guests during the Spring Festival.” Beside her, several friends also showed off their “loot” — bunches of roses, nicely packaged Thai durians, and whole boxes of frozen black tiger shrimp.
“It was incredibly popular! All our seafood sold out in just two and a half days,” said Cao Li, chairperson of Shenggang Catering Management Co., Ltd. of Huaihua International Land Port Economic Development Zone, as she counted empty containers. “We didn’t expect such strong public enthusiasm for ASEAN seafood. There were long queues at the on-site cooking and tasting stalls, and many customers placed orders right after tasting.”
Supported by the international freight trains + cold‑chain intermodal transport system of Huaihua International Land Port, the exhibition enabled “two‑day direct delivery” of fresh products, bringing seafood, flowers and fruits quickly to local residents. At the flower section, Zhang Jian, general manager of Huaihua Lanbiao Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd., noted: “Many citizens bought dozens of flowers at a time to decorate for the Spring Festival flower market and their homes.”
To boost consumption vitality, Huaihua International Land Port Economic Development Zone issued more than 130,000 yuan in paper consumption coupons valid only during the three‑day event, which significantly boosted on‑site transaction volume. Many merchants reported that the coupons effectively stimulated sales of medium and high‑end products.
“By building logistics channels to benefit people’s lives, we aim to bring quality ASEAN products to every household,” said Yang Shuai, director of the Business Cooperation Bureau of Huaihua International Land Port Economic Development Zone. “This exhibition is a vivid practice of implementing the central, provincial and municipal policies to boost consumption, as well as an important measure to follow up on the outcomes of the Tourism Development Conference. Over the three days, we have witnessed the enthusiasm of citizens, the gains of businesses, and the further release of regional consumption potential.”
According to the organizer, the event featured more than 50 standard booths, received over 10,000 visitors and achieved on‑site sales of more than 300,000 yuan, with nearly all exhibits sold out. Interactive sessions such as the “ASEAN Cuisine Cooking Show” and “Floral DIY Experience” held during the event further enhanced consumer engagement and experience.
As the last wave of visitors gradually left, the ASEAN Economic and Trade Exhibition Center returned to temporary calm. Yet this consumption feast, blending international elements and traditional Spring Festival vibes, has left a deep impression on Huaihua citizens. With tangible results, the Huaihua International Land Port has delivered an outstanding performance in stimulating consumption and serving people’s wellbeing, while injecting strong momentum into building a new highland of opening‑up for inland regions.
(Translated by Yang Hong)