Shanghai Expo mascot Haibao appears in Hong Kong Flower Show (with photos/video)

Shanghai Expo mascot Haibao appears in Hong Kong Flower Show (with photos/video)
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     The Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo) mascot Haibao has donned a floral suit to greet visitors at the Hong Kong Flower Show 2010.

     The eye-catching display featuring Haibao is located at the high-traffic central area of the Hong Kong Flower Show in Victoria Park.

     Formed by around 2,000 blue pansies, Haibao's new look is complemented by lush grassy turf and a colourful flower wall to display his iconic gesture - saying hello and welcoming visitors to Shanghai Expo.

     Another attraction is an exhibition promoting Hong Kong's participation in the Shanghai Expo.  The exhibition provides an overview of Hong Kong's participation in the mega event and includes a model of the Hong Kong Pavilion.

     Visitors can take pictures with the Haibao floral display and look at the exhibition during the Flower Show opening hours from 9am to 9pm every day till March 28.

     The Shanghai Expo will be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010. More than 240 countries, cities and international organisations will participate in the Shanghai Expo, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors from the Mainland and worldwide.

     Hong Kong's participation covers four aspects: constructing and operating a stand-alone Hong Kong Pavilion; taking part in the Urban Best Practices Area Exhibition; taking part in Expo Shanghai Online to provide netizens with a realistic, virtual experience of Hong Kong's presence; and organising events and activities before and during the Expo period to promote Hong Kong's innovation and creativity in cultural and other fields.

     Under the theme "Hong Kong - Potential Unlimited", the Hong Kong Pavilion has a sleek contemporary design to showcase the infinite imagination and creativity of Hong Kong and its people. The Pavilion's three exhibition levels will highlight different aspects of Hong Kong's connectivity and creativity.

     The theme of Hong Kong's UBPA exhibition is "Smart Card ． Smart City ． Smart Life". The exhibition will showcase how Hong Kong's extensive use of smart card technology has improved the efficiency and quality of daily city life.

     For more details on Hong Kong's participation in the Shanghai Expo, please visit wwww.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.

Ends/Saturday, March 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:43

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