THE GIANT'S KETTLE: Finland Pavilion (GUO CHANGYAO)

The Finland Pavilion is called "Kirnu," or "the Giant's Kettle." It draws inspiration from cavities naturally formed in bedrock during the Ice Age as a result of the heavy ice drilling stones through the bedrock.

The pavilion has three spiraling floors. The first floor houses restaurants and souvenir shops, where visitors can enjoy Finnish treats. All foods are pre-made.

The second floor, the heart of the Finland Pavilion, features the themes of sustainable development and environmental protection, human well-being, as well as science and technology. A large screen on the wall showcases Finland's art and culture. A virtual guide (in the shape of a spirit from Finnish folklore) created by means of animation technology interacts with visitors in Chinese and other languages.

The pavilion's scaled surface is covered with a recyclable composite material made from plastics and paper. The material is strong, waterproof and environmentally friendly. In Finland, this material has already been used as a form of pavement. This is the first time that Finland has displayed this new environment friendly material to the world. After the World Expo, the pavilion will be dismantled and reassembled at a new location.

Sauna is very popular in Finland. Although Finland has a population of only 5.3 million, it has 500,000 sauna rooms—almost one for each family. The pavilion has a 100-square-meter sauna room, which can simultaneously accommodate 10-15 people.

The exterior wall of the exhibition hall has a 360-degree projection screen, where a virtual guide helps visitors to learn about the exhibitions. Approximately 200 cellphones installed on the wall greet visitors by changing the colors of their screens. Visitors can also take pictures of themselves, and add their pictures to the displayed art works.

Mexico Pavilion: An Underground Journey

FOREST OF KITES: Mexico Pavilion (PEI XIN)

On a plaza covered with green grass stands a forest of poles, and attached to the top of the poles are colorful "kites." A total of 135 huge "kites" are affixed to the poles. The kites are in five different colors: red, yellow, purple, blue or green, and measure between 2.4 and 13 meters long. The "kites" are made of environment friendly plastic and shield visitors from the sun and the rain.

Beneath the plaza is the three-story Mexico Pavilion, which is situated completely underground. The pavilion is the only building at the World Expo site whose main structure lies underground.

The large roof covering the main body of the pavilion is a slope, whose uppermost part rises above the ground. The 4,000-square-meter roof is built into an open plaza covered with green grass.

The pavilion showcases the past, present and future of Mexican cities, including Mexican treasures, cultural heritages, and rich and unique ecological resources. The relics of Mayan civilization, such as snake-shaped decorations, totems and masks, are especially eye-opening.