China at EXPO 1900

The Willy Wonka EXPO Show continues along the banks of the Huang Pu and, naturally, interests us not a jot. However, the EXPO in 1900 was interesting – back in the days when EXPOs were EXPOs. China showed up in Paris for EXPO 1900 with a 5-part pavilion that for China Rhyming’s money is much better than their current faux effort. The 1900 pavilion featured a Confucian Temple (actually they’re now back in fashion – officially!), and representations of other famous Chinese sites as well as displays of porcelain, textiles, tea, crops (fascinating!) and handicrafts as well as ivory (well, it was 1900). Below is the pavilion and below that a postcard showing China’s presence at the EXPO 1900 complete with Bannerman and Qing Dynasty flag which is much cooler than Haibao.