Published by: World Tibet Network News, Sunday, Apr 21, 1996

XINING (April 21) XINHUA - Flower power has added an unusual splash of color to Northwest China's Qinghai Province on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Local dwellers seldom see flowers because of the plateau's cold climate. But the area has started exporting tulip bulbs and bulb flower products.

The gardening departments in Xining, the province's capital started experimenting with the cultivation of tulips and lilies in the early 1990's. And the researchers successfully solved the problem of cold storage of bulbs.

The tulip flowers of about 20 varieties are well-reputed for their handsome shapes and bright colors. The blossoming rate of the bulbs has remained above 95 percent, much higher than imported ones.

The province's fresh-cut flowers have been exported to Southeast Asian nations, creating a record-high bid price among similar products in the coastal provinces.