Fireworks, outdoor multimedia display illuminates Shanghai

Spectacular fireworks explode over China Pavilion at the World Expo Park during the opening ceremony for the 2010 World Expo held in Shanghai, east China, April 30, 2010. (Xinhua/Chen Kai)A grand fireworks and outdoor multimedia show along the city''s mother river of Huangpu took the opening ceremony into finale, raising spectators'' expectations on the World Expo.

A total of 1,200 searchlights and 16 powerful lasers "danced" to the drum-beat, unveiling the first part of the half-an-hour spectacular show.

The Welcome to China chapter took the audience back on a visual journey of all the most famous Expos in the history starting with London 1851 and then counting down to Shanghai 2010.

Using a 283-meter-long, 26-meter-high LED screen, said to be the largest in the world, lasers, laser projections and fireworks, the complex multimedia display also highlighted the paths of urban civilization and the harmony between human technological advances and nature.

Traditional Chinese symbols of welcome and good fortune, such as red firecrackers, lion and dragon dance, and magpies, were projected on the LED screen.

By releasing 6,000 LED balls into the water to lead the way for a parade of more than 200 flag boats representing participants of the event, the second segment of the display, themed Harmonious Gathering, was trying to extend good wishes to nations and organizations coming for the Expo.


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