The 11th Taiwan Orchid Exhibition, titled "Orchid World Expo,” is grandly holding at the Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) from August 9 to 11 in the Eastern United States. This year’s exhibition, co-hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York and the Queens Botanical Garden, features Taiwan's three primary colors (Taiwan Blue, Taiwan Gold, Taiwan Red) as its main theme, showcasing Taiwan's cultural history, natural ecology, and folk beliefs. The exhibition is not only a visual feast of orchids but also a multi-sensory cultural event that is expected to captivate a wide audience from the New York Community.

Taiwan, often referred to as the “Orchid Kingdom,” is home to over 400 species of orchids. In 2023, Taiwan’s orchid exports exceeded $200 million, with one-third of the world's orchids originating from Taiwan. Around 60% to 80% of the orchid varieties available in the market are developed in Taiwan, and Taiwan is also the largest source of orchid imports for the United States. Taiwan plays a critical role in the international orchid market, highlighting its exceptional position in the global arena.

On August 8, a day before the exhibition officially opens, the organizers invited various community organizations to an exclusive preview of the cultural event. The preview event attracted many distinguished guests from the political sphere, including Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, and his wife; U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng; New York State Assembly Members Ron Kim and Steven Raga; New York City Council Member Sandra Ung; and Director John Chen of the Taiwan Center. Their presence added significant prominence to the event, symbolizing the widespread support and attention the exhibition has garnered.

Ambassador Lee stated, "Through introducing orchids to our American friends, we hope to use flowers as a means of fostering friendship and further strengthening the bond between Taiwan and the United States." This is the 11th time the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York has collaborated with the Queens Botanical Garden, and Ambassador Lee is delighted to use this event to connect with people through flowers, a more intimate approach than the traditional tea ceremonies. The event not only showcases orchids but also includes performances by Taiwanese artists, tastings of Taiwanese cuisine, and displays of Taiwan's tourism resources, aiming to offer a comprehensive introduction to Taiwan and promote mutual understanding and exchange with American friends.

In addition to the stunning orchid displays, this year’s event promises a feast for the senses with a vibrant showcase of visual arts and interactive activities. The exhibition features four Asian artists whose works beautifully intertwine with the orchid theme, creating a harmonious blend of nature and culture. Multidisciplinary artist Stacey Ting Yun Chen presents her captivating series, "Formosa through the Palette." This vibrant triptych celebrates Taiwan's rich and dynamic culture through evocative visual storytelling. Each piece vividly captures iconic Taiwanese scenes: the bustling Jiufen Old Street adorned with glowing red lanterns, the serene journey of the Alishan Forest Railway winding through ancient forests, and the towering Taipei 101, symbolizing modern achievements. These artworks explore Taiwan's historical depth, energy, beauty, and cultural richness, resonating deeply with both locals and newcomers.

Visual artist Yi Chun Lin showcases "Dance of Light and Bloom," a series inspired by the diverse orchids of Taiwan, such as Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Cattleya. These exquisite flowers are creatively transformed into various home decor items, including vases, lamps, teapots, and jewelry boxes, infusing everyday objects with the delicate beauty of orchids. Visual artist Hsiao Chien Liu brings a touch of tradition with his gilding painting series, "Welcome Spring with Orchids." In these pieces, the artist replaces traditional blessing words with gracefully curving orchids, showcasing the vitality and elegance of Taiwanese orchids in a timeless art form.

The event specially invites renowned Hong Kong fine artist Emily Chen, who presents her work "An Average Comet.", In this piece, Chen uses emerald green, joyous red, and gold to create a vibrant portrayal that references Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in her exhibiting artwork“An Average Comet”. These colors symbolize Taiwan’s natural beauty and cultural richness: emerald green evokes the island’s lush landscapes and vitality, joyous red signifies celebration and passion, and gold represents prosperity and warmth. Together, they craft a vivid and meaningful depiction of Taiwan's unique identity and heritage.

These artists' works, spanning painting, crafts, sculpture, and digital printing, embody the unique spirit of Taiwan's orchids and the essence of the nation’s cultural diplomacy. Additionally, Taiwanese tea artist Ellen Fang will conduct a tea ceremony demonstration, inviting visitors to savor the flavors of Taiwanese tea while immersing themselves in the elegance and charm of Taiwan’s tea culture.