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.