The China Pavilion welcomed its 8 millionth visitor on Oct 9, 2010 since the Shanghai World Expo opened on May 1. [Photo/Xinhua]

SHANGHAI - The China Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo welcomed the 8 millionth visitor Saturday as a senior pavilion official announced its exhibition would run for another six months, beginning December 1.

"The China Pavilion's exhibitions will be extended for half a year beginning December 1 to meet people's needs", said Qian Zhiguang, deputy director of the China Pavilion on Saturday.

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The China Pavilion, named "The Crown of the East", has become increasingly popular since the World Expo open on May 1, with an average of 50,000 visitors daily.

However, space restrictions have resulted in many visitors being turned away during the Expo, which closes at the end of October.

Further, the China Pavilion is negotiating with local museums which are displaying historical items, to continue showing these national treasures, including bronze chariots and horses from the Qin Emperor, ancient porcelain, and invaluable Chinese paintings from 800 years ago.

The China Pavilion is one of the permanent structures that will remain after the World Expo.