A logo representing 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and China is based on the flow of water. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A flower exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level between the Netherlands and China was held in Qingdao, Shandong province, from Friday to Monday.

Residents had the chance to appreciate some 30,000 flowers, including tulips, lilies, roses and African daisies, all of which were displayed in the shape of the logo signifying the 50 years of relations between two countries in the city's Olympic Sailing Center.

The logo, designed as a tribute to the significance of water, is based on the flow of water, according to Roderick Wols, deputy head of mission at the embassy of the Netherlands.

He said via video at the expo's opening ceremony that the lines of the logo symbolize the splitting of a river, while at the same time looking like the Chinese character ren, meaning person.

"One recurring essence that flows through the Netherlands and China's history is water. The influence of water in our countries' past, prosperity and people is of great significance," he added.

The Netherlands business support office donated 2,400 tulip bulbs of four different varieties to the city of Qingdao as a gift of friendship. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Qingchun, deputy secretary-general of the Qingdao municipal government, said the city has carried out in-depth cooperation with the Netherlands through sister city relations, economy, trade, agriculture, education and horticulture, all of which have borne practical fruit during the past half-century.

The exhibition will enhance cooperation between two sides and help the city's tourism sector, Wang added.

One of highlights of the exhibition is the so-called Delftware, a special kind of ceramic - an icon of the Netherlands.

According to Netherlands business support office Qingdao, one of the expo's organizers, the origin of Delftware lies in the contact, cooperation and exchanges between the Netherlands and China.

A flower exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level between the Netherlands and China was held in Qingdao, Shandong province, from Friday to Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In the 16th century, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) blue porcelain traveled on trading vessels from China and was introduced in the Netherlands, the center of European trade at that time. The Chinese workmanship and attention to detail impressed many and inspired local craftsman to produce similar ceramics. In doing so, they adjusted the production process, patterns and shapes. This evolved into the iconic Delftware as it is today.

Pieter Jan Teisman, a floral designer who told the stories behind Delftware, said the designs represent the interconnectedness of the Netherlands and China.

During the expo's opening ceremony, NBSO Qingdao donated 2,400 tulip bulbs of four different varieties in orange and red to the city of Qingdao as a gift of friendship.

"Our business cooperation is strong and diverse and our friendship is rooted deep in the minds and hearts of our people," said Zeng Ming, chief representative of NBSO Qingdao.

"Qingdao citizens can expect to enjoy the beautiful blooming tulips next year," she added.

The flower exhibition in Qingdao, Shandong province, displayed some 30,000 flowers, including tulips, lilies, roses and African daisies. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The flower exhibition in Qingdao, Shandong province, displayed some 30,000 flowers, including tulips, lilies, roses and African daisies. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The flower exhibition in Qingdao, Shandong province, displayed some 30,000 flowers, including tulips, lilies, roses and African daisies. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The flower exhibition in Qingdao, Shandong province, displayed some 30,000 flowers, including tulips, lilies, roses and African daisies. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]