BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 50 activities aimed at showcasing Beijing's achievements in ecological progress and image as a historical and cultural city will be held during the four-day May Day holiday at the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition, local officials said.

These activities also aim to showcase the development of Beijing as an international metropolis and the city's achievements in foreign exchanges.

Over 300 representatives from four international organizations, 48 countries and regions, government departments and companies attended the opening ceremony of a series of activities hosted by the Beijing municipal government.

Lin Bin, deputy head of the city's trade promotion council, said artistic performances, display of intangible cultural heritage, economic and trade exchanges and professional conferences will be held during the period to promote cooperation between Beijing and the rest of the world.

A culture and art carnival staged by central and eastern European countries will also be featured at the expo, with over 100 performers in 18 troupes from 12 countries in the region performing folk dancing, pop music, comedies, puppet shows and children's plays for tourists.