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 (770 BC-467 BC).

The contour design of the pavilion is based on the concept of "Oriental Crown, Splendid China, Ample Barn, and Rich People," to express the spirit and disposition of Chinese culture. The pavilion will have a core exhibition area on the top floor, an experience area on the second and a functional area on the first. China's achievements in urban development from ancient to modern times will be the core theme of the pavilion.

The wisdom that the ancient Chinese used to develop cities is showcased with programs of different styles in Section One. A video played in the multimedia exhibition tells stories about China's vast migration from rural to urban areas over the past 30 years of reform and opening-up, people's enthusiasm for building a better city and expectations for the future. The famous picture of “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” makes its appearance in the China Pavilion to illustrate the charms of ancient Chinese cities.

Video: Huan CAO, Cong Fangjun