The award certificate won by Yung Kee Silk at the 1851 London World Expo.

    At expos of the early 20th century, China introduced itself through diminutive replicas of old city gates, the Great Wall, courtyard residences and temples. Years later at the 1993 Taejon Expo its landmark item remained of the cultural-historical type: a model of the southern gate of the imperial palace. Since the Hannover Expo in 2000 voices against traditional culture, plus calls to show scientific and technological achievements, have grown louder and gained increasing attention.

    The China Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo will be based on the theme, "Chinese wisdom in urban development," which is interpreted through four Chinese phrases – constantly working to improve oneself, cultivation of amplitude in emulation of the earth's benevolent support of man and nature, following the law of nature, and seeking harmony while preserving difference. It is meant to catch the spirit of today's urban culture as well as promote amity between individuals, and mankind and nature, all of which are plainly evident in Chinese cities. As for the actual exhibition in the pavilion, Yang Xiong, executive vice-mayor of Shanghai and executive deputy director of the Shanghai Expo Executive Committee, told media that it would be kept secret until the last minute. The reason: to give the world a surprise.