Visitors to Life and Sunshine Pavilion beat expectation

The Life and Sunshine Pavilion had received more than 600,000 visitors by yesterday, easily breaking the operators' initial estimation of 600,000 attendance through the six-month Expo.

It was forecast that the pavilion would receive about 3,000 visitors daily, while every day more than 10,000 visitors pack the pavilion on average, said Cao Ziping, director of the pavilion. The pavilion achieved its expectation in only 50 days instead of the whole Expo duration, which showed visitors' support and care for disadvantaged groups, he noted.

The 600,000th visitor, a lawyer from Beijing, was granted certificates and gifts.

The pavilion calls for more understanding and attention for disadvantaged people through various exhibitions to ensure them a better life in the future.

Its themes are the elimination of discrimination, the alleviation of poverty, a passion for life and a fair society and a better urban life for disadvantaged people.

Spain Pavilion welcomes 2 millionth visitor

A 22-year university graduate from Changsha, Hunan Province, is the 2,000,000th visitor to the Spain Pavilion.

A 22-year university graduate from Changsha, Hunan Province, received a gift pack from Spain's commissioner general Maria Tena yesterday as the 2,000,000th visitor to the Spain Pavilion.

The major in computer engineering said he visited the Expo site to celebrate his graduation and it was the luckiest moment in his life.

He and staff of the pavilion celebrated the moment at the witness of Miguelin, a 6.5-meter electronically animated baby, who can "breathe and blink."

The pavilion received an average of 39,000 visitors daily. A total of 98 staff, who can speak Spanish, Chinese and English, take charge of the reception work at the pavilion.

New Expo passports issued

A new version of the Expo passport has hit the market with anti-counterfeit measures.

Six anti-counterfeiting technologies have been added to the passport.

New Expo passports have the background pattern removed.

Six anti-counterfeiting technologies have been added to the passport.

A new version of the Expo passport has hit the market with anti-counterfeit measures.

The new Expo passports still have two editions - a cartoon edition and a standard edition in three colors.

People can now order personalized Expo passports from the Website www.dowexpo.com.

Six anti-counterfeiting technologies have been added to the passport. The cover now bears the image of the words Expo 2010 visible through a magnifier.

With gravure printing technology, optical variable inks, watermarks, rainbow printing technology and security threads, the new passports are easy to identify and collect.

The old Expo passport carries a background pattern of a national pavilion on each page, which misleads holders to think that a stamp should be made at a certain page and the passport is all about getting stamps of the 44 national pavilions. Actually the holder can get a seal from any pavilion in any page of the passport. New Expo passports have the background pattern removed.

A page for filling in personal information is included in the passport to make sure every passport is unique and personal. This time, a new service to electronically print holder's personal information is available. The holder's information will be printed on an anti-counterfeiting film.

Each personalized passport will cost an extra 30 yuan (US$4.39) for delivery within one week.

Five factories are now printing Expo passports to keep up with demand.

Smurfs stage a comeback

Smurfs, the blue elf-like creatures, are helping promote the Belgium Pavilion as the pavilion's official mascot.

A press conference was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai yesterday about the Smurfs' work at the pavilion. The creatures are designated friendship ambassadors between China and Belgium.

The Belgian animated creatures, created by Peyo in 1958, hit China in the 1980s with the Hanna-Barbera cartoon series and won countless domestic fans.

At the pavilion, Smurfs are everywhere, on the stage or at the shop. Visitors can find a Smurf statue at the entrance of the pavilion, while chocolates and souvenirs featuring the creatures are available at the shop.

Expo ambassador performs in Bologna

Lang Lang, a Chinese pianist and one of the Expo Shanghai promotion ambassadors, receives an Expo T-shirt dedicated to the world fair by Bologna.

Lang Lang, a Chinese pianist and one of the Expo Shanghai promotion ambassadors, performed a recital in Bologna, Italy, recently, where he was rewarded not only with the applause of the audience, but also an Expo T-shirt dedicated to the world fair by the city.

Bologna's 400-square-meter showcase at the Urban Best Practices Area portrays a 4,000-year-old city and its people via interactive props and projections, with content covering the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world, among others. The display is divided into six sections - porticos, streets, towers, city gates, bicycles and squares.

Visitor number exceeds 17 million

A total of 406,700 visitors toured the Expo site yesterday amid pleasant overcast weather, bringing the total attendance to more than 17 million since the Expo's opening on May 1.

Among yesterday's visitors, 165,800 were on tour groups and around 68,000 visitors used free tickets Shanghai government distributed to local residents.

By 7pm, 37,286 tickets were sold on site, with 12,918 night admissions.

Houtan Gate received about 76,000 visitors, Changqing Road 68,000, and Shangnan Road, Gaoke Road W. about 108,000 in total.

By 5pm, 76 shows were staged, attracting 84,000 spectators. A total of 6,272 volunteers served on the site.

The site is estimated to receive nearly 180,000 group visitors today. Individual tourists are advised to enter from less crowded gates at Shangnan Rd, Bansongyuan Rd or Madang Rd during 9am to 11am rush hours.

Because the city enters its plum rain season, visitors are advised to take an umbrella, pay special attention to food hygiene and adjust itineraries accordingly.

Lebanon celebrates Pavilion Day

Mohamad Safadi, Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade, addresses the ceremony.

Liu Zhentang, China's deputy commissioner general for World Expo 2010, addresses the ceremony.

drum performance at the ceremony

Mohamad Safadi, Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade, presents a gift to the China Pavilion.

Liu Zhentang, China's deputy commissioner general for World Expo 2010, accompanied by Mohamad Safadi, Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade, visits the China Pavilion.

The Lebanon Pavilion will put on dancing performances by the Caracalla Dance Theatre tonight in celebration of its National Pavilion Day.

The show at the Red Hall of the Expo Center tonight will include highlights of the "Two Thousand and One Nights" and "Knights of the Moon."

Lebanon is an ancient civilization, whose history dates back thousands of years, and it boasts rich and diverse culture legacies. The country hopes to showcase its glorious past as well as its promising future at the Expo, Mohamad Safadi, Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade, said at this morning's ceremony at the Expo Center.

Liu Zhentang, China's deputy commissioner general for World Expo 2010, said Sino-Lebanese cooperation in political, economic and trade as well as cultural fields has been strengthened since diplomatic ties were established in 1971. He believed the Expo would help visitors worldwide touch upon the splendor of Lebanon.

Located in Zone A alongside Guozhan Road, the pavilion has the theme "Tell-Tale Cities" and highlights the country's customs, natural scenery and historic monuments.

The pavilion showcases the Phoenician alphabet, which became the foundation for Hebrew, Greek and Latin, on the Axileimu king sarcophagus.

Also check out Lebanon's natural wonder, Jeita Grotto, one of the most impressive underground caverns in the world, through multimedia displays.

Visitors will also be able to sample Lebanese food and purchase some handicrafts.

Alsace celebrates Pavilion Day

Artists from Alsace performed folk dances in front of the Alsace Pavilion in the Urban Best Practice Area at noon in celebration of its Pavilion Day, followed by an economic roundtable in the afternoon.

The roundtable gathered Alsace's entrepreneurs and their Chinese counterparts to discuss how to further tap business opportunities in China.

The prototype of the region's case is the solar wall of Bouxwiller High School in Alsace, an example of using solar energy to keep interior temperatures at a comfortable level. The water-skin solar wall on the southern elevation, controlled by computer, can open and close automatically as the outdoor temperature and sunlight intensity change, shading the sunlight and reducing energy use.

There is a micro-brewery running on solar energy in the pavilion. Visitors can see the whole production process and taste the beer. They will also enjoy a "walk" at local vineyards, markets, buildings, eco-friendly communities and experience the application of water, nuclear, solar and geothermal energies.

Activities include an exhibition with the theme of dining art and cultural legacy in July, and a wine promotion in September.

Expo reflects China-France friendship: French National Assembly President

Officials tour the France Pavilion.

The Shanghai Expo was a measure of the continued cooperation between France and China in the fields of technology, industry and culture, Bernard Accoyer, President of the National Assembly of France, said yesterday at the Expo.

France had actively supported the event since Shanghai was named the host city eight years ago and was among the first nations to confirm its participation, Accoyer told a ceremony to mark France National Pavilion Day.

"Today's China is opening its gates to the world to pursue a more peaceful, equal, environmental-friendly and better future," said Accoyer.

By participating in the Expo, France had shown its deep friendship with and unremitting support for China.

France's "Sensual City" pavilion is a giant square structure with an interior designed as a French-style garden. More than 2 million visitors have come to the pavilion, making it one of the Expo's most popular.

Accoyer said visitors would see France's rich culture and people-oriented modern technologies.

Accoyer said that since France and China issued their joint communique in 2009, they had seen frequent high-level visits, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy's attendance at the Expo opening ceremony.

France, together with China, would continue to enhance their cooperation in technology, industry and culture, said Accoyer.

Accoyer said the two nations' legislative bodies would hold their first meeting in July, in Paris, to discuss issues such as medical insurance, environmental protection and sustainable development. He believed the meeting would play an important role in promoting exchanges.

USA Pavilion launches virtual tour

The USA Pavilion today launched a virtual tour at http://pavilion.expo.cn/c5001/ssize/en/index.html, which gives the global audience a glimpse of the pavilion and its exhibits that have already delighted more than a million guests.

Upon entering the site, visitors will be "greeted" by a virtual student ambassador, representing the 168 student ambassadors who have become a favorite of guests visiting the actual pavilion.

Act I features an abbreviated greeting from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US President Barack Obama. In Act II, visitors can test their knowledge of American culture, history and entertainment through a quiz, which may even challenge a few Americans.

Act II features a preview of "The Garden," the inspirational story shown in the main theater of the pavilion. It is about a 10-year-old girl who envisages turning a vacant city lot into an urban oasis, working with her neighbors to make that happen. Act III showcases the many US companies which have sponsored the pavilion.

The site was developed by Crystal Digital Technology Co Ltd, a sponsor of the USA Pavilion.

Expo 2010 is the first world's fair to host an online platform that allows viewers to take a glimpse of pavilions.

Mayor urges teams to brace for summer heat

A performer outside France Pavilion entertains queuing visitors.

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng yesterday called on the Expo operation team to make contingency plans for extreme weather conditions.

The team should improve contingency plans for extreme conditions such as heat, dense crowds during summer holidays, storms and typhoons, Han said.

The team should analyze the situations, make early warnings and especially guarantee the safety of food, hygiene and fire. Public sanitation, environment protection and transportation should be managed in sound long-term mechanisms, Han added.

Han also praised the PLA officers, armed police officers, police officers, Expo volunteers and Shanghai residents for their contribution to Expo 2010.

After more than 50 days of operation, all Expo services have made improvements and the order in the Expo site has been smooth despite the rise in visitor numbers, Han added.

Dream wedding held at Expo Culture Center

Forty couples tied the knot at a romantic French-style wedding in the Expo Culture Center this afternoon, which was part of the Tours Wedding Ceremony of France.

Jean Germain, mayor of Tours, hosted the ceremony at the Expo site. This was the second group wedding of the series event. The first was held on May 11.

Germain granted a certificate for the newly-wed couples and they were invited to tour the France Pavilion as VIP guests. Chefs served them a romantic French meal at a restaurant of the pavilion.

A lucky draw was held at the ceremony. Winners were offered a dream honeymoon in Paris in October.

You put your right arm out...

Twenty robots dance in front of the France Pavilion yesterday, as part of its Pavilion Day activities.

It was the debut performance for these 58-centimeter, Frenchmade humanoids, called Nao, which can cost up to 12,000 euros (US$14,800).

Spain Pavilion celebrates Spanish Day

People watch the play of colorful confetti in front of Spain Pavilion.

People participate in Spanish language Karaoke interactive activities.

Visitors follow the Instituto Cervantes students to write Spanish words with brushes.

Students from Instituto Cervantes paint and write in the Spanish language.

The Beijing branch of Instituto Cervantes celebrated the Second Spanish Language Day at Spain Pavilion yesterday.

Maria Tena, the Spanish Commissioner General to Expo 2010, and representatives from Spanish speaking countries attended the ceremony.

Seventy-three Instituto Cervantes branches in 42 countries staged more than 300 cultural events to celebrate the day around the world.

The institute picked the Spain Pavilion as the venue for celebration because the pavilion received near 2 million visitors in one and a half month, pavilion staff said.

The square in front of Spain Pavilion was renamed as Spanish Language Square today.

During the ceremony, the institute and the Spanish Society for International Exhibitions (SEEI) issued a guide of Shanghai in Spanish, which includes introductions of Expo 2010 and its pavilions.

Instituto Cervantes is a non-profitable organization set up by the Spanish government in 1991 to promote Spanish language and culture around globe. The Spanish Language Day started in 2009 and usually falls on the Saturday before every year's summer solstice (or winter solstice).

Zhejiang Week offers Father’s Day interactive

A child makes a present for his father.

A father received cards from his daughter, which feature stamps of Chinese characteristics.

A master tailor specializing in traditional ethnic garments teaches a visitor to learn embroidery.

A folk craftsman uses cooked rice to make sculptures.

Zhejiang Week presents a variety of interactive folk art shows on the Father's Day today at the Baosteel Grand Stage.

Most of the visitors to the shows were parents and children. They watched shows on folk arts, many of which are listed as intangible cultural heritages, and learned one or two tricks from the master craftsmen there.

With help from those masters, some children made presents for their fathers on the spot.

Those masters will offer more free classes of different crafts at the Baosteel Grand Stage.

Greece celebrates Pavilion Day

Greek Minister for the Economy, Competitiveness and Mercantile Marine Louka Katseli delivers a speech during celebrations for the country's Pavilion Day.

Chinese Vice Minister of Transport Weng Menyong delivers a speech.

A Greek group "Human Touch" plays a selection of traditional music and modern jazz.

Marine Louka Katseli writes a message in the visitors' book at China Pavilion.

Marine Louka Katseli writes a message in the visitors' book at China Pavilion.

Greece is expected to expand its cooperation with China as it seeks ways to solve its economic problems, the country's economic minister said yesterday at the World Expo, on Greece Pavilion Day.

Louka Katseli, Greece's minister of economy, competitiveness and shipping, said the country expected to promote more high-quality products to the Chinese market. "We expect to sign more agreements on bilateral trade," she said. "We believe many of our products, such as olives, marble, wine and construction materials, will be popular in China." Tourism will be another key point of economic cooperation between the two countries. Katseli said she expected an increase in flights from Shanghai and Beijing to Athens.

Greece will also promote wedding and honeymoon trips to the Greek islands to China's young couples.

"We will hold a tourism exhibition in late August in Shanghai," Katseli said. "Weddings and honeymoons will be a highlight on the event."

Greece also sees great potential in cooperation in fields such as maritime transport and technology and ocean pollution prevention.

Earlier this week, the country signed a maritime transport agreement, said Katseli. She also said that to attract more foreign investment, the Greek Parliament will discuss improving the environment for foreign companies.

The country also emphasizes cultural communication between the two countries and yesterday's Pavilion Day provided the ideal platform for Greek culture.

A musical performance in the form of an ancient Greek tragedy was held at the Expo Culture Center. Maria Nafpliotou, who was the high priestess who lit the Olympic torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was the narrator.

Spotlight on innovation

scene of the forum

China's Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang addresses the forum.

Liang Baohua, chief of the Communist Party of China in Jiangsu, attends the forum.

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng addresses the forum.

Jiangsu's governor Luo Zhijun addresses the forum.

Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretary general of UNCTAD, delivers a speech.

Zhong Yanqun, fulltime deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, attends the forum.

Lee Tsung-Dao, a Nobel laureate in physics (1957), delivers a speech.

Barry J. Marshall, Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine (2005), delivers a speech.

Yuan Longping, "Father of Hybrid Rice," delivers a speech.

The third World Expo forum began yesterday in Wuxi, neighboring Jiangsu Province.

The forum's theme was "Science and Technology Innovation and Urban Future." Discussions about how to tackle problems and make urban life better through science and technology will be the main focus of the forum, which wraps up today.

The forum is composed of a plenary session, a roundtable session and four parallel forums.

About 800 representatives from governments, international organizations and academia attended the forum.

Lee Tsung-Dao, a Nobel laureate in physics (1957); Barry J. Marshall, Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine (2005); and Yuan Longping, "Father of Hybrid Rice," shared their views on how science and technology can improve people's lives.

"The most brave and attractive cities in the world are the pioneers who first search for solutions with technology," said Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretary general of UNCTAD.

Cities bring great challenges as they develop. These include limited living space, insufficient safe drinking water or food, and insufficient drainage systems, especially in some super cities in developing countries, Panitchpakdi said.

Science and technology innovation can be used to find possible solutions. Strong city planning and the use of clean-energy technologies can help provide a more efficient and comfortable urban life, according to Panitchpakdi.

Shanghai Expo has played a great role in what can be achieved through science and technology innovation, said Wan Gang, head of China's Ministry of Science and Technology. He said many new ideas and practices are on exhibit at the Expo.

Three more Expo forums will be held. One will take place in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu. Another two will be held in Zhejiang Province, one in Shaoxing and the other in Hangzhou.

Visitors catch lucky break

Attendance dropped from more than 420,000 on Saturday to about 350,000 yesterday as people expected heavy rain.

But only a light drizzle fell in short spurts yesterday while the temperature dropped below 30 degrees Celsius, delighting many Expo visitors.

"It's not raining, and we're lucky," said one visitor. She said the best part was that it wasn't super crowded yesterday.

Although there were fewer people yesterday, the Saudi Arabia, Germany and Japan pavilions were still star attractions and drew large crowds.

Liu Xiaoyan from Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, came prepared for almost everything. She brought a portable electric fan, mosquito repellent, a foldable chair and an umbrella.

"It was really hot yesterday, but today is cooler," she said. "I've applied enough sunscreen cream and I keep drinking water to stay hydrated."

The cooler weather also meant fewer patients at the medical station in Zone A.

"It was full yesterday but today we have fewer patients," a doctor surnamed Jin said.

The Shanghai Health Bureau said yesterday that it has set up two more medical stations, bringing the total to seven, inside the Expo zone. It also added five more ambulances for a total of 15. The ambulances have taken 914 people to hospitals since the Expo opened.

One of the new medical stations is near the entrance of Madang Road Gate in Puxi, the other is near Houtan Gate in Pudong.

The Expo site features water sprays under the elevated walkway and sun shelters to give people a break from the heat. Plus more drinking-water sites and electric fans have been added to ensure people stay reasonably cool. The fans are mostly at entrance gates, as it can take 2-3 hours to enter the grounds in the morning.

As of Saturday, the five medical stations had received 23,034 patients since opening, 4,575 of whom suffered trauma. Most people had minor injuries such as sprains or bruises.

The medical stations received about 130 sunstroke patients on Saturday, when the temperature soared to 36 degrees Celsius, the hottest day since the event started. All patients recovered quickly after treatment.

Jin advised that infants, old people with chronic diseases and those recovering from surgery avoid the Expo on busy days.

Nobel laureate scientist defines future vaccines as 'food'

Barry J. Marshall, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 2005 and clinical professor with the University of Western Australia, said people might, in the future, be vaccinated by swallowing capsules instead of by using needles.

He made his remarks at the World Expo's third theme forum, which opened on Sunday in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province.

"The project I've been working on is to develop vaccines that look like a food product. I think that's the future beyond the needles, to have vaccines look more like food," he said.

"I worry about my family. I have a grandson. Recently he had five needles on one day. It's very stressful for small children to have vaccination needles, so it would be much better if we could have vaccines like medicines," he said. "You don't have to go to the hospital or doctor, maybe you could go to the pharmacy or drug store or the super market," he said.

"Ten or 20 years from now, probably many vaccines would be like that, so much easier for so many people not have to worry about influenza, measles, chickenpox," he said.

"For example, one project we are undertaking showed some early successes in animals. The project is that we can take the influenza virus genes, put them into the bacteria so the bacteria look a little bit like influenza, then feed the bacteria to somebody," he said.

"You could see in the future this could be like some food product, capsule bacteria. But when you swallow it, it will start living in your stomach for a few weeks. During that time, your immune system will be activated but you will also be vaccinated against influenza," he explained.

In 2005, Barry J. Marshall and J. Robin Warren were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in recognition of their 1982 discovery that a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, is one cause of mankind's most common and serious diseases, peptic ulcer disease.

Global scientists stress technology innovations at forum

Scientists and officials stressed the importance of science and technology innovations in urban development at the World Expo's third theme forum, which opened in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Sunday.

City expansion had been achieved along with the burning of fossil energies like coal and oil during the past 200 years, but problems also arose including environmental pollution, energy shortages and global climate changes, said Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang.

Renewable clean energy will replace traditional fossil energies and become the main energy form of future cities, he said.

The importance of science and technology innovations also lies in improving social welfare, as well as finding solutions to challenges such as food security, energy security and climate changes, said Supachai Panitchpakdi, the Secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

With the theme "science & technology innovation and urban future", the two-day forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Executive Committee of Expo 2010 Shanghai China, the UNCTAD and the government of Wuxi.

Participants to the forum include Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, Nobel Laureate in Physics 1957 and Columbia University professor Lee Tsung-Dao, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 2005 and clinical professor from the University of Western Australia Barry J. Marshall and China's agricultural scientist, widely known as the "Father of Hybrid Rice," Yuan Longping.

Germany Pavilion welcomes millionth visitor

Visitors to the Germany Pavilion have surpassed a million and the lucky millionth visitor was awarded yesterday a pavilion pin, travel guide to Germany, a "Balancity" mug, and a restaurant meal for the family.

The pavilion receives around 25,000 visitors daily, and the interactive sphere weighing more than one ton at the "Energy Source" room is the most popular exhibit, which can be activated by the shouts of spectators. The room can accommodate 600 visitors.

The Energy Source is a bubbling witch's cauldron, said Pavilion Director Urte Fechter yesterday. She said it's wonderful to see the exhibit, which takes more than two years to complete, meeting with "such a resounding response."

Many visitors spent more than an hour at the pavilion, learning about how Germany improves the water quality of the Spree River and the country's urban renewal programs. They were also amazed by an innovative and flexible car-sharing model, "Stolpersteine" (stumbling blocks) by artist Gunter Demnig, Ruhr 2010 European Capital of Culture program, and gardens in the country.

"We want people to experience and discover new things and to realize how important it is to find a balance in every city between renewal and preservation, green and urban spaces, room for individual needs and for the urban community," said Peter Kreutzberger, Vice Commissioner General of Germany.

King Karl Gustaf of Sweden, German architects Meinhard von Gerkan and Ole Scheren, Olympic champion fencer Britta Heidemann and actress Maggie Cheung are some of the visitors to the pavilion.

Portugal Pavilion greets 888,888th visitor

Bian Jiang, the lucky visitor, receives a Portugal football team kit with the signature of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bian Jiang tastes custard tarts at the pavilion.

A visitor from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region received a Portugal football team kit with the signature of Cristiano Ronaldo as the 888,888th visitor to the Portugal Pavilion this morning.

Bian Jiang, the lucky visitor, was a fan of the Portugal football team. He watched the match between Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire of the ongoing World Cup.

Located in Zone C, the pavilion has the theme "Portugal, a Square for the World" to highlight the nation's position as a gateway to the Atlantic and its innovative environmental practices.

The 2,000-square-meter pavilion is covered in cork, a Portuguese-sourced, recyclable and environmentally friendly material.

Inside, the exhibition is divided into four "moments" that showcase the country's history, economy, culture and its lasting relationship with China.

The pavilion focuses on the concept of sustainability and its role in Portuguese economic and environmental policies.

Fashion show at Italy Pavilion

Three models show the outfits of Italian iconic fashion designer Katia Gagliardini.

A hair fashion show was staged at the Italy Pavilion yesterday afternoon.

Three models wearing the outfits of Italian iconic fashion designer Katia Gagliardini walked down the runway. The inspiration came from art pieces of the Renaissance period.

Republic of Korea Business Pavilion welcomes millionth visitor

The Republic of Korea Business Pavilion in Zone D welcomed its millionth visitor, a Shanghainese nurse, this morning.

Qi Minwen, the lucky visitor, received a round-trip flight ticket between Shanghai and Seoul, a plane model, DVD collection and a bag.

It was Qi's second visit to the Expo site. She likes ROK and plans to travel with her boyfriend to Seoul.

The pavilion themed "Green City, Green Life" received nearly 30,000 visitors daily since June. The 1,288,888 visitor is expected to receive more gifts, according to staff of the pavilion.

Fathers and children enjoy fun at Slovakia Pavilion

The Slovakia Pavilion hosted a series of games and contests yesterday afternoon to celebrate Father's Day and promote love and cooperation between fathers and their children.

In the first contest, children were encouraged to sing, dance or say a poem for their father. All singers were given gift packs with a surprise balloon inside.

The next contest was to blow up the balloon – which was made of a tough material like those used in footballs. There was a competitive atmosphere as children cheered on their father's efforts.

In the most difficult game, children were blindfolded and had to find their father by touch alone. No talking was allowed. To the staff's surprise, all children found their father, even the smallest ones.

The last game was a short course in the Slovakian language. Children learned a short sentence in Slovak saying "I love my daddy."

Nordic countries and China seek energy and climate solutions

The Nordic-Chinese Energy and Climate Day will take place on June 25 at the 2010 World Expo, bringing together experts from China and the Nordic region to discuss how greater Chinese-Nordic cooperation and interaction can contribute to the development and deployment of clean energy and climate technologies.

The event will be held at the Nordic national pavilions and will feature speeches and panel discussions from ministers, business leaders, researchers and other key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Among the confirmed speakers are Nordic ministers Karen Ellemann from Denmark and Jan Vapaavuori from Finland, as well as experts such as Bo Diczfalusy of the International Energy Agency and Professor Jiang Kejun from the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission of China.

For the Nordic region and the world, China is an increasingly important player in the development of sustainable energy systems and technologies, said Anne Cathrine Gj?rde, Director of Nordic Energy Research.

"New solutions are being developed quickly and implemented at a rapid rate. To contribute and become involved in this key growth potential, the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden must investigate the opportunities that strategic co-operation with China has to offer. This applies to both exchange of knowledge and collaboration with industry."

By hosting the event, the Nordic Council of Ministers aims to foster mutual understanding of the challenges and solutions found in the Nordic countries and in China, and to promote a process of further R&D cooperation.

Australia Pavilion unveils Queensland Week

Andrew Fraser MP, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development, addresses the opening ceremony.

Indigenous artist William Barton presents contemporary didgeridoo performance.

Artists perform at the opening ceremony.

The Australia Pavilion yesterday launched its Queensland Week with art performances, forums and a photographic exhibition.

Indigenous artist William Barton presented contemporary didgeridoo performance (didgeridoo is a traditional musical instrument in Australian indigene tribe) and singer Ellie Hoyt performed at the opening ceremony.

During the Queensland Week, visitors will enjoy performances inside and outside the pavilion, including Queensland digital media artist Craig Walsh's amazing projection art show on the screen wall outside.

Forums will also be held, covering areas of tourism, culinary art, film, education, trade, architecture as well as science and technology innovation.

The highlight is a 10-day photo exhibition "Experience Amazing Queensland - Brisbane's development since World Expo 88," unveiled at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (SUPEC) yesterday afternoon. Seventy photos recap scenes of World Expo 88 in Brisbane and show how the Expo site was turned into a world famous tourist destination.

Shanghai and Queensland have witnessed very good cooperation as sister cities and exchange is being deepened in education, energy and culture fields, said Andrew Fraser MP, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development.

"Queensland is abundant with natural resources. Queenslanders enjoy an enviable lifestyle thanks to our reasonable urban planning, diverse economy under sustainable development and leisurely lifestyle. Our way of development just reflects the theme of this Expo - Better City, Better Life."

Fraser also appreciated China Pavilion.

He and Shanghai Vice Mayor Tang Dengjie signed the ninth Memorandum of Agreed Understanding between Queensland and Shanghai today to promote the sister state-city relationship and enhance communication and cooperation in various areas.

Turkey celebrates Pavilion Day

Ertugrul Gunay, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister, and Li Hongfeng, vice minister of Chinese Ministry of Culture, have discussions.

Officials visit the bronze Chariot and Horse sculpture at the China Pavilion.

 

Li Hongfeng, vice minister of Chinese Ministry of Culture, presents a gift to Ertugrul Gunay, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister.

performance at the ceremony

performance at the ceremony

performance at the ceremony

Turkey yesterday celebrated its National Pavilion Day with a fashion show and dance performances.

The Turkey Pavilion displays the profound history and civilization of its old land, the country's tourism and the urban planning of Istanbul, Ertugrul Gunay, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister, said at the ceremony in the Expo Center yesterday morning.

Li Hongfeng, vice minister of Chinese Ministry of Culture, said the Turkey Pavilion draped in red is one of the most beautiful pavilions of the Expo, which is like a box unfolding a dream maze at the bank of the Huangpu River.

The red and beige structure is in Zone C opposite the Germany Pavilion.

The exterior of the 2,000-square-meter pavilion drew its main inspiration from one of the first known settlements in the world called "Catalhoyuk" in Turkish, which were the center of advanced culture in the Neolithic period.

Themed "The Cradle of Civilization," the pavilion is divided into three sections that represent the past, present and future of an amazing journey.

The first section shows the visitors Turkey's historic firsts, featuring a map indicating the ancient sites, the world's first mirror and the world's first man-built dam.

The middle section is a 360-degree movie screen that displays scenes from the streets of Istanbul to reflect the pride of the city as the "European Capital of Culture."

The future in the final section is represented by the symbolic figure of the phoenix.

Forum wraps up successfully

The third World Expo forum themed "Science and Technology Innovation and Urban Future" concluded today in Wuxi, neighboring Jiangsu Province.

The forum focused on how science and technology innovation can promote a city's development, lead a healthy growth of economy, achieve sustainable protection of the environment and fend off the negative impact of science expansion, said Zhong Yanqun, fulltime deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee.

Xie Kechang, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered a speech on "Future Energy and Low-carbon Science and Technology" this morning.

He said it is imperative to develop low-carbon energy technologies in an effort to pick up proper production and consumption methods and reduce energy demand.

About 800 guests attended the forum and they will visit the Expo site tomorrow.

Three more Expo forums will be held. One will take place in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu. Another two will be held in Zhejiang Province, one in Shaoxing and the other in Hangzhou.

France celebrates Pavilion Day

French National Assembly President Bernard Accoyer addresses the ceremony.

Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, addresses the ceremony.

performance at the ceremony

performance at the ceremony

Officials visit the China Pavilion.

The France Pavilion, or "The Sensual City," celebrates its National Pavilion Day today with music and concerts.

The Shanghai Expo is very important for French people and France hopes to convey a message by participating in the event - the country's friendship with China as well as its consistent support and trust for China, said French National Assembly President Bernard Accoyer, at this morning's ceremony at the Expo Center.

He said visitors will learn about France's civilization in the past, as well as its innovative and forward spirit today at the pavilion.

Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, said the 2010 World Expo would not only strengthen the mutual understanding and reciprocal cooperation between the two nations, but also help them to contribute to world piece and stability as well as the harmony and development of human society.

Located in Zone C across from the Germany Pavilion, the 6,000-square-meter France Pavilion appears to be a white floating palace wrapped in wire mesh made of a special concrete and covered in plants.

In the center of the structure stands a French-style garden with water fountains that create space for visitors to enjoy the singing of birds, the smell of flowers and some food. The design embodies the kinetic effect and the concept of balance.

Featuring seven paintings that have never before left France, the pavilion showcases the sights, smells, tastes, sounds and feel of France.

On the occasion of the National Pavilion Day, a 3D and 360-degree virtual walkthrough of the "Sensual City" will be launched online. France Pavilion has built up an innovative online tour using Dassault Systemes' 3DVIA Virtools software to complement its theme.

Visitors can also enjoy 3D interactivity during the online tour, such as playing games and "entering" the master paintings mentioned above.

The mascot of the pavilion, Cat Leon, is usually around to entertain guests. Visitors have the chance to taste some champagne made especially for the Expo Shanghai.

Visitors can also enjoy contemporary artworks from candidates and winners of the Prize Marcel Duchamp 2009 of ADIAF (Association of International Diffusion of French Art) in the pavilion.