People perform dance in the South Africa Pavilion to celebrate the opening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, in Shanghai, east China, June 11, 2010.

China failed to qualify for this summer's World Cup in South Africa, but nothing can stop Chinese fans celebrating the most grand soccer event on the earth.

More than 300 soccer fans gathered at the South Africa Pavilion at Shanghai Expo Friday before the World Cup kicked off. They painted flags on their faces and arms and welcomed the kick-off with dances and soccer games.

The World Cup fever also can be felt elsewhere at Shanghai Expo Park. Visitors on that night watched the tournament's oepning ceremony and the opener on big screen installed on the exterior wall of the Brazil Pavillion, as well as games VCR from LED screens of the Argentian Pavillion.

Also, many fans have chosen to watch World Cup games with friends at pubs all around the country. In western city of Lanzhou, some pubs offer special offers of "barbecue, beer and World Cup" to attract fans.

"We bought big screen television for diners to watch World Cup," said Wang Hai,the owner of a pub in Lanzhou. "I am sure it will bring a lot of fans."