From past to future

"I was attracted to the China Pavilion by the architecture because it is so beautiful outside," said 14-year-old Andora Dyerramberg, who is originally from Norway and living in the United States.

The exhibition in the pavilion proves that China is a very innovative country, she said. "The light in the space exploration area is great, and it was a fun experience 'driving' the bullet train."

Covering an area of 4,636 square meters, the China Pavilion was designed with inspiration drawn from the traditional Chinese lantern, symbolizing hope, light and gathering.

In contrast to the appearance of the pavilion which was designed to reflect culture and traditions, the exhibits inside focus on innovation and technology, shedding light on a rapidly developing China.

The space exploration area introduces the audience to some major achievements such as the Chang'e-5 probe, which has successfully brought home lunar samples, and the Chang'e-4 probe that is still performing its task on the far side of the moon.

A hall with circular screens simulating a scene from outer space attracted many visitors to linger. It is an exhibition about China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

The domestically developed technology of China has not only served the Chinese people, but has also been applied in such areas as land mapping, precision agriculture and smart ports in regions including Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

A friendly panda robot is a superstar at the pavilion. Surrounded by curious visitors, the black and white creature "Youyou" introduced itself, pulled off some tai-chi moves and wielded a calligraphy pen with a flourish, attracting many visitors to take photos with it.

This robot was developed by Shenzhen-based AI and humanoid robotic company UBTECH Robotics. Michael Tam, chief brand officer of the company, said the company's intelligent thermal detection robots have provided anti-epidemic robots services in 15 countries.

A fancy car presented by the Shanghai-based SAIC Motor is also eye-catching. The concept car named "Kun" integrates bio-intelligence interaction, photosynthetic energy, zero-gravity seats, holographic image interaction and advanced autonomous driving technologies, according to the company.

"Technology is the most impressive part of this pavilion. We were prepared for that, since we knew that China had achieved a lot in technology," said Waty Luc, who had traveled all the way from France with his wife and daughter to see the expo.

After being delayed by COVID-19 for a year, the Expo 2020 Dubai has been a much-awaited event to bring the world together.

China is willing to share its ideas and achievements with the world by participating in the World Expo, said Zhang Shenfeng, commissioner general of the China Pavilion and vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

The China Pavilion aims to demonstrate China's contribution to the world in terms of science and technology as well as the country's willingness to share these fruits with the world, said Zhang.

The pavilion embodies the goals of Expo 2020 Dubai, which are to connect minds, become more unified, and create a better future, said Dimitri Kerkentzes, secretary general of the Bureau International des Expositions, at the China Pavilion's opening ceremony.

China's participation in the Expo demonstrates its commitment and actions for global dialogue and cooperation around the future of people and the planet, he said.