The 178-day Xi'an International Horticultural Exposition in northwest China's Shaanxi Province is to conclude Saturday night with a televised closing ceremony, organizers of the event said.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the expo park will close at 10 p.m., the expo's executive committee said in a press release.

Since its opening on April 28, the expo has received more than 15.6 million visitors, far exceeding the organizer's expectation of 12 million.

The expo features flowers, plants and a wide variety of gardening styles from 32 countries and three international organizations.

The expo's closing ceremony on Saturday night will consist awards presentation and performing arts that highlight the history and culture of Xi'an, which served as ancient China's capital for 13 dynasties, and the city's goal to promote ecological conservation.

The renovation of the 400-hectare expo site, including the construction of a horticultural park and a theme park of renowned movies, will start on Sunday. The new facilities will open to the public on April 28, 2012.

(CNTV.cn, Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2011)