Spectators watched 21 floats and 28 performance teams parade along Huaihai Road in downtown Shanghai.

Haibao, the mascot of the 2010 World Expo, was the leading float and was met with rousing cheers by spectators. The float signified the local government's commitment to success in hosting the 2010 World Expo.

All the floats were decorated with fresh flowers in keeping with this year's " Floral" theme.

Eighteen foreign floats loaded with exotic culture descended on Shanghai this year.

A series of events, including the Shanghai International Shopping Festival and the Musical Fireworks Festival are set to take place during the festival, which ends on October 6th.

In another part of the city, a night gala drew over 3,000 spectators to Century Square on Nanjing Road. An impressive list of stars contributed performances, including music stars Yu Quan and dancer Huang Doudou.

(CCTV September 17, 2008)