The 2010 World Expo has opened in Shanghai, with China putting on a lavish display to showcase its rising global influence.
Twenty world leaders attended the opening ceremony, featuring tens of thousands of fireworks that lit up the city's riverfront and a light show set to music.
Expo 2010 Shanghai was declared open by President Hu Jintao
Almost 250 countries and international organisations are showcasing their culture. The Expo slogan is: "Better city, better life in music and dance".
The BBC reports 70 million visitors - mostly Chinese - are expected to visit Expo, which will be open from 1 May - 31 October.
The cost of staging the event is reported to be $US58 billion - more than was spent on the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Shanghai now has a new airport terminal and new metro lines, roads, parks and public areas.