Cultural ties between China and India date back thousands of years. And in 2010, the Shanghai World Expo has provided more chances for the two world's oldest civilizations to communicate with each other. Through the India pavilion, people have gotten to know more about "Cities of Harmony".

Zhang Wan takes a closer look.

 With the theme "Cities of Harmony," the India pavilion at the Expo is considered one of most popular sites for visitors. The pavilion resembles the famous Taj Mahal Mausoleum, which was built by an Indian emperor in memory of his beloved wife.

Ragesh Vats from India says Indian people believe Taj Mahal is a symbol of the country.

"Taj Mahal is a symbol of love. So for those who visit India are always advised to visit Taj Mahal. It has been included into the UNESCO list, it's also considered now as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. When Chinese talk about Changcheng(The Great Wall in China), then we also talk about Taj Mahal."

The central motif of the pavilion is a large dome that rises out of the broad entry plaza. Adorned with green vegetation and fanciful designs, the dome furthers the contrast between modernity and antiquity.

The dome links Indian and Chinese cultures through its Buddhist foundation, but also major religions as a recurring architectural theme in Islamic, Hindu, Christian, and Sikh architecture, effectively symbolizing the harmony of all diverse religions and cultures. Director of the India pavilion D.K. Nangia explains:

"We are trying to depict how all mankind lives in a harmony with the environment and with human being and lives all around us. Only when there is a harmonious relationship with the world, there will be peace and progress and prosperity for all of us."

Ragesh Vats has been working in China for several years. He says the theme of the India pavilion shares the common idea with what Chinese believe about harmonious society. However he says the India pavilion can only present part of India's culture.

"India is multi-culture, multi-language society. It's very difficult to show a whole India in one site. In India, if you visit one province, and then to another province, you'll find the language changed, food changed, clothes changed, even people's appearance changed."

India is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, speaking different languages and dialects and worshipping every major religion. Therefore, "Unity in Diversity" becomes the theme of the India pavilion. And as for the theme of the 2010 World Expo- "Better City, Better Life", director of the pavilion Nangia talks about his ideas.

"An ideal city is one place that all communities all human beings and nature live in harmony with each other. For the public, for the population there, they should have adequate infrastructure for movement, for transport, job opportunities, and daily necessities and food, water, electricity."

He says they are very happy to be part of the Shanghai World Expo, because it's an eye-opener for millions of visitors.

For CRI, I am Zhang Wan.