Spectacular fireworks explode over the Huangpu River during the opening ceremony for the 2010 World Expo held in Shanghai, east China, April 30, 2010.[Xinhua]

Spectacular fireworks explode over the Huangpu River during the opening ceremony for the 2010 World Expo held in Shanghai, east China, April 30, 2010.[Xinhua]

A grand show of lighting and fireworks were presented Friday evening for the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

The show was staged alongside the city's Huangpu River, attracting thousands of residents and tourists.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and other senior officials as well as foreign leaders attended the ceremony.

The Expo is scheduled to last for six months from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2010.