Professor Zhou Hanmin, vice director of the Executive Committee for the Shanghai Expo 2010, visited Xi'an Daming Palace Pavilion and spoke highly of its contributions to the protection of historical heritage.

"Xi'an makes an immeasurable contribution of China's historical culture as well as its protection," said Zhou Hanmin. He expressed his willingness to attend the opening ceremony of Daming Palace National Heritage Park, which is expected on October 1.

At the end of his visit, Zhou presented pavilion officials a gift: a scroll with eight words, "Daming Palace's bright future, Xi'an city's eternal peace."

Xi'an Daming Palace Pavilion is a replica of Xi’an Daming Palace, and it stands at the Urban Best Practice Area at the Shanghai World Expo. Daming Palace, located in the center of Xi'an, Shaanxi province, was once the center of politics, economics and culture during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and has experienced prosperous and difficult times throughout its history.

By Xie Fang