an artist's rendition of the Mexico Pavilion

an artist's rendition of the Mexico Pavilion

Mexico is preparing a synthetic "Forest of Kites" atop its World Expo 2010 pavilion where visitors can relax under the shade and read a book or enjoy a picnic.

Mexico has recently unveiled its exhibition design with the kite square positioned as the heart of its pavilion. The kites will serve as a significant symbol of the cultural links between Mexico and China. Visitors will also be able to buy or make kites at the pavilion.

The 4,000-square-meter pavilion promises a chronological journey through the past, present and future of Mexico.

The exhibit starts with three giant screens of the nation's cities - one for the pre-Hispanic period, another for the colonial era and the last one for the 19th century. Visitors will continue their tour to the second section to observe scenes reflecting Mexico's cities in the present. The final part of the journey will feature some interactive items such as tables that will provide information about Mexico's development plans and sustainable environment programs in the pursuit of a better life.

Visitors will enter a box-shaped room at the end of the journey that contains Mexico's proposals for the future. In this confined space of three screens, they will get real-time images of the "Forest of Kites." They are invited to go up and experience various activities on the roof of the pavilion.

The pavilion will also include a restaurant providing authentic Mexican cuisine as well as a store selling traditional Mexican handcrafts.

Construction on the pavilion will start on Thursday. Its theme is "Living Better."

(Source: World Expo Shanghai Official Website)