Guangxi glitters at Shanghai Expo

The 600-sq-m pavilion uses laurel fl owers as its visual framework and evokes the green water, karst caves, Elephant Trunk Mountains and other natural attractions for which the region is famous. [PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY]

Offering an experience that matches its slogan "Green Home, Blue Dream", the pavilion from Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has been very popular at the Shanghai World Expo due to the range of motifs that reflect its exotic ecology and cultures.

The 600-sq-m pavilion uses laurel flowers as its visual framework and evokes the green water, karst caves, Elephant Trunk Mountains and other natural attractions for which it is famous.

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The result of planning since 2007, the pavilion's theme was selected after submissions were solicited from across the nation in 2008.

"Green Home, Blue Dream" was selected as the theme, which meets the Expo's challenge to show a "Better City, Better Life".

In 2009, a design called "Fragrant Ba Gui" - another name for Guangxi - was chosen from dozens of candidates as the final design of the pavilion.

Elements of Guangxi's ethnic characteristics are also integrated in the design. Robots dressed in the style of the Zhuang people greet visitors at the entrance. A bronze drum image and the region's characteristic silk ball have also been used to evoke the style of the region.

The green in the pavilion's theme symbolizes Guangxi's ecology, shown by banyan trees that protect the water and earth, part of its "Great Green Wall".

Blue represents its coastal areas as manifested by a light system that creates the feel of the deep blue sea.

Song, dance and ethnic customs are also on display at the pavilion.