Featuring gourmet cuisines, eye-catching high-tech devices and entertaining shows, national pavilions at the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) offer a dazzling glimpse of the world's best.
Roughly 150 countries and regions are taking part at this year's expo along with international organizations to drive home the ideas of cooperation for a better and shared future.
The latest model of luxury car brand Aurus, with a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, is a hit at the Russian booth.
A nuclear-powered icebreaker, helicopter, large farm machines and energy engineering projects are showcasing Russia's industrial vigor against a backdrop formed by multiple oil paintings depicting the country's stunning scenery.
In the unmistakably French pavilion of blue, white and red, the yellow vest of Egan Bernal, winner of 2019 Tour de France, reminds people of the signature sport event of the European country.
"With products of great quality and diversity, the French national booth is perhaps not the largest" but is 'the most interesting,'" said Benoit Guidee, consul general of France in Shanghai.
Focusing on four key areas: agriculture, sustainable development, health and innovation, 17 companies, including French Bank Societe Generale, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus and French food giant Danone, speak for France's economic strength.
Zambia shows its intimacy to nature by bringing sculptures and pictures of giraffes, lions and zebras. Artifacts and products like honey and Moringa seeds are favorites among visitors.
Light aircraft and automobiles are mingled with crystal cups, beer and a piano at the Czech show. "It's a picture of a modern successful exporting country from Europe which can offer a lot to Chinese customers. That's the main message," said Czech parliament speaker Radek Vondracek.
Jamaica's booth decorated with tropical plants provides impressions of the country's beaches while enjoying a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. The scene replete with a thatched hut and cafe bar demonstrates the island country's resolve to promote itself as a tourist destination.
Cambodia's booth transports visitors to the country's Royal Palace. Plants and flowers enhanced the golden roof and pillars. Dealers were asking for more information about palm sugar, fragrant rice, pepper and other products exhibited at the booth.
Cambodia is grateful to China for being a guest country of honor, said Sorn Pitou, official at the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia. The CIIE is a great chance for every country in the world to promote products and attract investment, he said, adding that Cambodia is interested in promoting its tourism to and enhancing cooperation with China.
At the Italian booth, people were queuing for a taste of Prosecco sparkling wine. Its vibrant color and fresh taste complemented replicas of the country's most famous sites including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Colosseum.
Dita Citra, deputy director for printed media at the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, told Xinhua that the country brought its coffee and bird's nest to the CIIE this year. With more Indonesian companies present, the country is seeking further investment opportunities with China in the energy sector, she said.
Bharath was invited as the organizer of the cultural promotion activities at the Indian booth, where yoga exercises and classical dance kept visitors busy. He was happy to see that the CIIE has become a platform to bolster trade, investment and culture. He was confident that the CIIE will bring more flagship products as well as high-quality services worldwide to China.
