Liuhua Complex, former exhibition hall for the Canton Fair from 1974 to 2008. (file photo)

Built 35 years ago next to the old train station, Liuhua Complex has been at the center of a controversy for the past year. Liuhua Complex was open for the Canton Fair in 1974. This biannual event was housed there until 2008, date at which the Canton Fair entirely moved to Pazhou and the old exhibition site lost its primary function. Recently, the company operating the complex has announced it will lease out its rights on the building for a period of 10 years.

Liuhua Complex is composed of two areas. According to the investment group, the smaller area covers some 50,000 square meters and will be used mainly for small-scale exhibitions and conferences. The second area spreads over 90,000 square meters and will become a business center available for big trade signing ceremonies and shall operate as a one-stop service center for import and export trading.