When you enter Zone C of the Expo Site, you will see the USA Pavilion, a gray steel structure that looks like an eagle outstretching its wings, welcoming guests from all over the world. The internal pavilion features models of American cities in the future, emphasizing clean energy, green space and roof gardens. Using multidimensional and hi-tech presentations, the $61-million pavilion leads visitors through four unique sections: "Welcome to America," "Spirit of America," "The Garden" and "Opportunities and Innovation," illustrating the American spirit of perseverance, innovation and community-building.

The first section, "Welcome to America," is the prelude to the American journey, showing American cultural diversity and geographical wonders. Here, Jose Villarreal, general commissioner of the USA Pavilion, warmly welcomes each visitor. You will also receive a warm video greeting from American friends who have made an effort to learn some Chinese. Kobe Bryant, the NBA superstar from the Los Angeles Lakers, says "Hello! Welcome to the USA Pavilion!" in Chinese to visitors.

Then you step into the second section, which can hold 500 visitors at one time. There are three big screens playing a short film in which Americans show their friendship and say "Welcome" in Mandarin to visitors. The greetings come from universities, enterprises and other social groups in America, sending the message, "No matter what country we come from or what nationality we are, we are united in building a better world."

President Barack Obama also delivers a speech in the film. "We are proud to showcase the spirit that always defines us as Americans, a nation with immigrants from all corners of the world, working together with a sense of community and common purpose to overcome difficulties."

The highlight of the USA Pavilion might be a 4-D film in the third section called The Garden. The film tells the story of an American girl who finds a vacant city lot and begins to imagine building a lavish garden on it. Her neighbors, inspired by the girl's passion and determination, join her to transform their community into a place they are proud to call home.

The film, with 4-D wind and rain effects, gives audiences an amazing visual and tactile experience. Although there is no dialogue in the film, the excellent visual and audio effects make the film accessible to audiences with different cultural and language backgrounds.

The last section presents five themes that address how Americans make their communities healthier, more sustainable and more culturally diverse.

The pavilion showcases the common spirit of both China and America – optimism, innovation and cooperation. By the way, there is an eight-minute short film and a four-minute break in each section; thus, it will take about one hour to look around the USA Pavilion.

Recommended highlights:

- Chinese-American guide

A young Chinese-American guide takes you through the pavilion and introduces American core technology, creativity and progress in health, environment, culture and education.

- The latest hi-tech show

The pavilion showcases "Ecomagination" technology involving clean energy, water resources, energy-saving lighting and traffic lights, and advanced medical imaging technology.

- 4-D films from Hollywood

If you have seen the Hollywood film Avatar, you must have been impressed by the groundbreaking visual effects. The pavilion provides you a similar visual feast made by the design firm BRC Imagination Arts. You will have the true feeling of cool or warm with the corresponding scenes in the film.

- NBA stars

NBA fans may ask, "Is Kobe Bryant coming to the Expo?" The answer is yes, along with many other professional basketball players.