Dashan, a cultural icon and one of the best known foreigners in China, must be the most recognized pavilion head at the Shanghai World Expo.

A cross-talk performer and television host, Dashan, as Mark Rowswell is better known in China, told Xinhua that the Canadian pavilion highlighted multi-cultural communication and the concept of "livable" cities.

The commissioner general of the Canadian Pavilion at the Expo, Rowswell is considered a cultural ambassador between China and Canada.

"We can't wait to let more visitors know that Canada boasts not simply the image of the 'red maple leaf,' but also of diversified cultures and lovely urban communities," he said.

Born in 1965 in Ottawa, he studied Chinese at the University of Toronto and then at Peking University on a Sino-Canadian academic exchange program.

A performing opportunity at China Central Television brought him fame among Chinese, who were impressed with his fluent Mandarin and understanding of the culture. Later, he learned cross-talk, a traditional comic dialogue form, from a top Chinese artist.

Rowswell said the Expo was a landmark event that "captures the eyes and ears of the world." At first, Rowswell said, he was "a little nervous" about being a commissioner general.

The six-month event, which opened May 1, demonstrates strategic urban development and the concept of "Better City, Better Life." Over the 184 days, the Canadian Pavilion would have hosted more than 100 cultural activities, illustrating "multicultural communication," he said.

Rowswell said it was a unique opportunity for Canada to highlight its expertise in urban development. With the theme "The Living City: inclusive, sustainable, creative," the Canadian Pavilion showcases Canada's history, arts, culture and democratic values.

He said a cultural program, a business and trade program and legacy projects were also organized at the pavilion.

The Canadian Pavilion received 35,000 to 38,000 visitors daily, far beyond expectations. It had welcomed about 3 million visitors to date.

The C-shaped structure is the hub of events and activities designed to create an impression of a vibrant Canada, much more than a magnificent country with vast tracts of snow and forest.

A highlight of the pavilion is a virtual waterfall that reflects changing scenes of Canada when it is touched. It also displays scenes of cities of the future, as imagined by Canadian children.

Canada established diplomatic ties with China in 1970, one of the first countries to do so.