In order to help out at the PinoyExchange Taiwan travel thread forum, I have compiled useful information regarding the Taipei International Flora Expo which will officially open on 06 November 2010 and it will operate until 25 April 2011. It already had its soft-opening this October 2010. Straycat11 from the PinoyExchange forums had visited the site already, and let us await for her first-hand experience once she returns to Manila.
A. What is the Taipei International Flora Expo all about?
The International Horticulture Exposition recognized by AIPH was first held in the late 20th century as a major event for lovers of nature and gardening.
The 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will be held from November 6th, 2010 to April 25th, 2011.
This is the first time the event will be held in Taiwan. Taipei is the seventh city in Asia to host such a gardening expo, and this is a chance for Taiwan to show the world its commitment to outstanding gardening and the achievements it has made in the biotechnology sector.
Unlike suburban expositions held in Kunming, Hamanako, Chiang Mai and other cities, the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will take place in the city center as a response to people’s desire for more urban green spaces. The site plans and designs of this year’s show incorporate urban renewal concepts.
It is estimated that as many as six million tourists will visit Taipei City for the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition. The Expo will help Taiwan share with the world its achievements in the areas of tourism, catering, gardening and biotechnology.
B. Logo and Mascots
The Exposition’s Logo
The logo’s dancing petals represent human celebrations and shared values. After a competition that lasted two months, the organizing committee finally decided on a mascot and logo. Designers from Taiwan , Hong Kong , Macao , Europe, Japan and the U.S. all participated in this competition. There were 1669 entries in total, and the winning entry became the unique symbol of the Exposition. The Expo’s logo is based on five simply designed petals, and each petal, flowing with a pattern of moving lines, represents human activities. Each of the five colors—blue, green, red, orange and purple—represents a continent. The five petals combine in abstract images of dancing people. These bright colors also hint at the cheerful atmosphere that will characterize the Expo.
The Expo Mascot
The Expo’s mascots, flower fairies, play a moving melody about spring, summer, fall and winter. The Expo mascots are inspired by the fairies of the seasons. The band linking them symbolizes the harmony of the four seasons as well as the rhythm of nature. The mascots stand for the four seasons, because in Taiwan , each season brings the blooming of different flowers. The flower fairies form a “flower band.” Together, they serenade us with the melodies of the seasons, and their colorful outfits and friendly smiles express their happiness and passion for the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition. With the approach of the Expo, our mascot band will bring a cheerful message to every single corner of the world.
The 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition is being held in the Yuanshan area in Taipei City. The expo site is bound by Yuanshan Park, the Taipei Fine Arts Park, Xinsheng Park and Da-jia Riverside Park.
The site sits among some of Taipei’s most fantastic cultural and artistic spots, such as the Zhongshan Soccer Stadium, Taipei Children's Recreation Center, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei Story House and Lin-An-tai Historical Home. The newly built exposition hall is a new and the completed expo site will have 14 pavilions in total. The total area of 91.8 hectares stands as a testament to healthy and sustainable living in this modern metropolis.
Exposition Areas：1.YuanShan Park Area、2.Taipei Artistic Park Area、3.Xinsheng Park Area、4.Dajia Riverside Park Area
Information on Access to the EXPO Site
Shuttle Bus from MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Stations
The Danshui, Luzhou, and Neihu lines of Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system all have stations near the Expo site, with free shuttle buses from Minquan West Road, Jiantan, and Songshan Airport MRT Stations.
Shuttle Bus from Parking LotsTour Bus and Intercity Bus Information
On weekends and holidays, shuttle bus service to the Expo site will be available from parking lots at Songshan Airport and around Neihu.
Tour bus parking will be available near the Dajia entrance, and there will be a temporary stop for intercity buses at the Xinsheng Park entrance.
Cyclists
Cyclists can take Dajia Park’s bike paths and park in designated bike parking spaces near the Dajia entrance, or park their bikes at the Meiti Pier for the Expo ferry service to Dajia Pier.
“Blue Highway” to the Expo
Sightseeing boats on the Keelung River, calling at Expo locations and nearby points of interest, will be available at the Yuanshan, Dajia, Meiti, and Xikou Piers.
Shuttle Bus Between EXPO Sites
For visitors’ convenience, the north side of the Expo site will be served by free Expo shuttle buses along the Keelung River. The south side of the Expo will be served by free shuttle buses connecting Songshan Airport, Xinsheng Park, and Yuanshan MRT station.
E. Ticket Prices
Ticket Information
| Ticket Type | Terms and Notes | Price |
| Adult Ticket | General Admission | NT$ 300 |
| Student Ticket | Junior high school students and above (with valid student ID) | NT$ 200 |
| Discounted Ticket | 1. Elementary school students 2. Seniors aged 65 and over (with valid ID) 3. Pregnant women (proof of pregnancy required) 4. Low-income residents (relevant documentation required) 5. Other Taipei City Government-approved discounts | NT$ 150 |
| Afternoon Ticket | Admission after 1:00 p.m. | NT$ 200 |
| Evening Ticket | Admission after 5:00 p.m. | NT$ 150 |
| Three-Day Pass | Taiwan International Flora Exposition e-ticket card holders (usage limited to a period of three consecutive days, starting from date of first entry) | NT$ 600 |
| Flora Expo Pass | Taiwan International Flora Exposition e-ticket card holders (unlimited entry over the course of the Expo) Application forms and photographs are required to purchase Flora Expo passes. Passes cannot be sold or transferred. Card holders should enter TIFE venues at the group entrance gate. | NT$ 2,500 |
| Group Tickets | Group tickets for parties of 10 or more (entry at the group entrance gate with receipt; tickets effective only on date of purchase) | NT$ 180 each |
| 12-Ticket Pack | General admission (pack of 12 adult tickets) | NT$ 3,300 |
| Free Entry |
| Free |
F. Where to Buy Tickets
Just click on the links for ticket purchase and other information (I've tried them and they work).
N.B. This is from the Taipei International Flora Ticket link: http://ticket.2010taipeiexpo.tw/English/ticket03.php2. CVS Counter：Family Mart Convenience store、Hi-life Convenience store、OK Convenience store
1.Online
3. Expo Counter：
1.YuanShan Park Area－JiuQuan Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
2.YuanShan Park Area－Children’s Recreation Center Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
3.Xinsheng Park Area－MinZu Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
4.Dajia Riverside Park Area－Dajia Riverside Park Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
5.Blue Highway Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
G. E-book
Yes, they have an e-book. Very informative. Everything compiled in here.
All information on this post are from the official website of the Flora Expo and from the links provided therein (click the banner to open the Taipei International Flora Expo website):
