Construction of the Taiwan Pavilion for the Shanghai Expo started. It will be set up in zone A of the expo, one of the five major zones, and feature a blend of modern materials with an optimistic, traditional culture theme.

Officials and engineers revealed the pavilion design at a recent news conference. It's a transparent cube housing a giant ball in its center, built on a 658-square-meter plot.

The pavilion resembles a "sky lantern" or Kong Ming lantern. People in Taiwan release the lanterns, which float high into the air, to pray for happiness, safety, and health.

The exhibition will focus on the island's natural scenery, its hospitable people, and traditional culture. The pavilion will mainly be made of steel and glass, with the outlines of the island's Mount Morrison and Mount Ali painted on the facade.

The pavilion is expected to cost 200-million yuan, or 29 million U.S.dollars, and will be finished in March of next year.