The opening ceremony of the 2010 World Expo starts in Shanghai, east China, April 30, 2010.[Xinhua]

The Chinese national flag is raised at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai Friday night. [Xinhua]

The opening ceremony of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai was launched at the Expo Park at 8:10pm on Friday night.

Flag-bearers carrying flags of 246 participating countries and international organizations to the 2010 World Expo showed up at the opening ceremony Friday evening.

The six-month event kicks off with a lavish riverside display of fireworks and lights.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and other senior officials as well as foreign leaders attended the ceremony.

The Expo Park will officially open to the public on Saturday. The Expo is expected to draw 70 million people to pavilions from almost 200 nations designed to reflect the urban sustainability theme of "Better City, Better Life."

Hu promises "unforgettable" Shanghai Expo

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday voiced confidence of Shanghai hosting an "unforgettable" World Expo, which he said would bridge China and the world.

Hu addressed a welcoming dinner for foreign dignitaries who would attend the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Expo on Friday evening.

Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing shook hands with visiting foreign guests before the dinner.

"I am confident that, with concerted efforts, people around the world will witness a successful, splendid and unforgettable World Expo," said the President, giving a toast at the dinner.

In the past eight years, China has mobilized resources throughout the country and pooled the wisdom of the world, he said.

As the first registered World Expo hosted by a developing country, the Shanghai Expo will be "an opportunity for China and also for the world," Hu said.

At this Expo, China will present to the world a country with 5,000-year history, which is enjoying fast development and changes through reform and opening-up, he said.

The Expo will serve as a bridge for China to learn the good experience of other countries and engage in exchanges and cooperation with the rest of the world, he said.

A record number of 189 nations and 57 international organizations participate in the Expo in Shanghai, China's business hub.

In next six months, 70 million visitors are estimated to tour the Expo venues.

"The World Expo is a grand event to showcase the best achievements of human civilization. It is also a great occasion for people from around the world to share joy and friendship," he said.

It will offer a platform for all countries and regions to fully exhibit their achievements in urban civilization, share best practices and spread advanced ideas on urban development, he said.

"We will learn from each other, draw on each other's strengths and explore new models of housing, living and working for mankind in the new century," he said.

Hu said he believed this Expo would contribute to interactions and mutual learning between Chinese and people of other countries, as well as among different civilizations.

Hu pledged that China would make continued effort to improve the livelihood of its 1.3 billion people and make greater and new contribution to the world peace and development.

The country would remain committed to the path of peaceful development and a win-win strategy of opening up, he said.

Folk artists sing at a warm-up show started Friday evening. The show serves as a prelude to the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China's financial hub. The Expo, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors, is scheduled to last six months till October 31. [Photo/Xinhua] Folk artists perform at a warm-up show started Friday evening. [Photo/Xinhua] Artists perform at a warm-up show started Friday evening.