On September 12, Queen Sofia of Spain visited the China Pavilion at the Zaragoza World Expo, welcomed by head Zu Diansheng of the China Pavilion who then accompanied Her Majesty for her visit. Staff of the China Pavilion introduced the Queen to the theme and exhibits of the China Pavilion in detail.
Standing in front of the map of rivers of China at the gate of the Pavilion, the Queen specially asked about the location of the Beijing, China’s capital city. The first exhibit, the water-powered clock immediately drew the Queen’s attention. Her Majesty appreciated that the clock was designed in an original and creative way. Seeing the Palace Museum shown on the display screen of the China Pavilion, Queen Sofia said excitedly that she felt close with the video since she had been too the Palace Museum and the Summer Palace. The Queen also experienced the popular interaction facilities of hydraulic projects like the Dujiangyan Project with great interest.
Queen Sofia then watched the publicity film of the Shanghai World Expo. Her Majesty showed confidence in China holding a successful world expo after the Beijing Olympics. The Queen also spoke highly of Shanghai’s fast and convenient transportation, especially its modernized high-speed light track. Learning the scale of the Shanghai Expo, the Queen said it would take her one month to finishing visiting the expo. The Queen took a good interest in Haibao, mascot of the Shanghai World Expo and accepted the badge of Haibao in delight, a present form the staff of the Shanghai Expo.
Mr. Zu Diansheng gave a souvenir to Queen Sofia as a present on behalf of the China Pavilion. Her Majesty learned to speak thank you in Chinese with the help of the staff and expressed thankfulness.
Before leaving the pavilion, Queen Sofia visited the shop selling Yiwu small commodities at the exit. Her Majesty stopped for the delicate silk fans, especially attracted to the folding fans with simple and elegant designs of Chinese wisteria. The manager of the shop particularly picked up one and gave to the Queen as a souvenir.
During the visit, Queen Sofia also asked about the situation of pandas after the strong earthquake in Sichuan. Her Majesty was relieved after being told the pandas were OK.
