The Chinese pavilion was the largest national pavilion at the Expo and most expensive, costing an estimated US$220 million. The 63-meter high pavilion, the tallest structure at the Expo, is called “The Crown of the East,” and was meant to resemble an ancient Chinese crown. The chief architect of the pavilion was He Jingtang. It contained exhibits about all the provinces of the Peoples Republic of China except for Hong Kong and Macau which were represented with their own pavilions.
The main structure of the China Pavilion, “The Crown of the East,” has a distinctive roof, made of traditional dougong or brackets, which date back more than 2,000 years. The dougong style features wooden brackets fixed layer upon layer between the top of a column and a crossbeam. This unique structural component of interlocking wooden brackets is one of the most important elements in traditional Chinese architecture. Dougong was widely used in the Spring and Autumn Period.
The pavilion is divided into 3 parts. The 20,000 m² national pavilion outlines China’s theme of “Chinese wisdom in urban development”. The exhibition in the regional pavilion highlights 31 provinces, cities and regions, and its 30,000 m² space features improvements in urban development and multiethnic culture. Lastly, the final part is devoted to the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan pavilion.
The pavilion is a magnificent display of traditional Chinese architecture. The Crown of the East stands out because of its traditional roof, the design of which dates back more than 2,000 years. It is made up of 56 traditional dougongs, 56 being the number of ethnic minorities which make up China. The characteristic feature of this architectural technique is interlocking wood, without the parts needing to be glued together, a technical feat mastered by the Chinese craftsmen of the time.
All of the exhibitions in the pavilion follow the core theme of meeting the challenges posed by an urbanised modern society. Consequently, the pavilion is staging an exhibition entitled “look east”, which focuses on the wisdom displayed by the Ancient Chinese in dealing with the problems of urbanisation. The pavilion also highlights the changes China has seen throughout its history, and how the country has adapted. The second floor is home to the “experience area”, where visitors can help design future Chinese cities. The “functional area” is located on the first floor, where you can find out how new technologies are contributing towards a better life.
Other Information
- City: Shanghai
- Country : People’s Republic of China
- Completed : 2010
- Architect : He Jingtang
- Cost : US$220 million
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