Small efforts behind the big expo

Putting flowers in place

Zhang Mei, 71, horticulture worker

The southern plaza has become a popular photo taking spot for people passing the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue of the China International Import Expo from Nov 5 to 10.

Eight giant flower pillars flank the gate leading to the wide stairway to the venue's main entrance, which features a lush green area and is laced with pots of yellow flowers.

Two giant panda designs were created by black and white stones on the stairway. The panda is the expo's mascot, Jinbao, a pun in Chinese for "treasure of the import expo" and "bringing in wealth".

Zhang Mei, 71, worked since the beginning of October with some 60 other farmers from the Fengxian district of suburban Shanghai to put all the flowers in place.

"It is about buying and selling goods, and many foreigners will come." Zhang said of the expo. "I wish it could be held all year round, so we'd have the chance to work at such a splendid venue."