the crown of china

Theme: Chinese Wisdom in Urban Development

The China Pavilion, also known as “The Crown of the East”, takes on the shape of the Chinese emperor’s crown, is a traditional Dougong style building (interlocking method – wooden brackets fixed layer upon layer between the top of a column and a crossbeam). i wasn’t impressed with the contour design at first till i saw the real thing, and even more so after the exhibitions.

China pavilion was probably the most popular site at the Expo. All visitors to the pavilion have to get reservation tickets beforehand. There were tight security at the entrance, no use trying luck to jump queue or sneak in (after three days at the Expo, i was convinced that it was one of the most capable acts performed by local visitors). Most people queued one or two hours before the opening hours in order to get tickets. i told myself i should at least try to make an effort to get one but only at a decent timing. My friend and i reached at about 9.30am (the Expo opened at 9am). After passing through the security check point at the Expo entrance, i was still looking around for my friend when one of the Expo workers suddenly shoved a ticket into my hand. i still have no idea of the proper procedure how reservation tickets are being issued, but since i got my hand on one, i have no complains :-)

Once inside the pavilion, the elevator took us straight up to the 12th floor (the highest), to view the first exhibition – a video about China’s past 30 years of reform.

After the video, We exited the omnimax theatre to view typical setups of local homes from 1871 to the present. i guess these antique furniture brought back fond memories for the elder locals as i heard many of them chatting away excitedly.

Next, my favourite part of the whole exhibition! A famous classical Chinese painting “Along the River during the Qingming Festival”, originally painted by Zhang Zeduan, a Song Dynasty artist, was reproduced in a 49m long hall through a huge screen. Using multimedia technology, characters in the painting came alive, portraying daily activities from morning till night fall. It was fascinating to watch.

At the Land of Hope was a big screen showing urban living. i stayed briefly and moved on.

Drawings by young children from all parts of China hanging along the long corridors as we proceeded to the next exhibit area.

An excursion train ride that reminded me of Disneyland’s “It’s a small world”. The ride brought us through the urban development of China from ancient to modern.

The last hall showcasing the latest low-carbon technologies.

China pavilion at night, with Macau’s bunny looking on.

It was one of the best experience at the Expo.

Rating: Must see!

Shanghai Expo 2010.

A few of the images were from my friend’s camera.

And some of the information were taken from here.