Among the 246 countries and international organizations that have made an appearance at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, 42 of them have built their own unique pavilions. Expo Weekly has chosen to review these aesthetically amazing pavilions, each of which has showcased a number of hi-tech innovations and brilliant new ideas that are sure to change the way we live and work in today's urban centers.

Zone A

China

Theme: Chinese Wisdom in Urban Development

The China Pavilion, towering above all other Expo pavilions, includes a distinctive roof made of dougong, or brackets. The roof's design is reminiscent of Chinese architectural styles that date back more than 2,000 years. The pavilion is designed to express the spirit of Chinese culture and houses exhibitions presented by 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions on the Chinese mainland.

China Pavilion [China.org.cn]

India

Theme: Cities of Harmony

The design of the India Pavilion integrates Hindu traditions with contemporary design principles. The pavilion's water fountain, terracotta tablets, solar panels, open courtyard and a windmill on top of the pavilion itself represent the five elements of water, earth, fire, space and air as described by the Pancha Tattva, or the five aspects of God according to Hinduism. The most dominant feature of the pavilion is its enormous bamboo dome, which replicates one of India's oldest surviving Buddhist monuments, the Sanchi Stupa.

India Pavilion [China.org.cn]

Israel

Theme: Innovation for Better Life

The Israel Pavilion is made up of two curved components that clasp together like two sides of a seashell. One side of the shell is made of stone, while the other is made from transparent glass; this reflects the combination of traditional Jewish culture and modern innovation. In the pavilion's Hall of Innovation, dozens of spherical 3-D multimedia screens show iconic scenes of the country as well as Israel's technical breakthroughs in the fields of agriculture, pharmacology, solar energy and telecommunications.

Israel Pavilion [China.org.cn]