Shanghai Daily news

Switzerland yesterday unveiled the model of its national pavilion for World Expo Shanghai 2010, with walls of biodegradable soybean fiber and featuring cable cars to transport visitors through meadows on the roof.

The country, famous for its chocolate, watches and natural scenery, revealed its plans after signing the participation contract with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

The design, chosen from 104 candidates through a worldwide competition, focuses on sustainable development as well as harmony and balance, referring to the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang.

For the 4,000-square-meter pavilion, the Swiss government poured 140 million yuan (US$18.52 million) into the project, bigger than the budget for Aichi Expo in 2005 and Hanover Expo in 2000.

"This piece of work best shows the characteristics of modern Switzerland - pursuing excellence, innovation and high-quality life," said Manuel Salchli, deputy commissioner general of the Swiss pavilion.

The pavilion's outside walls are clad in biodegradable soybeans and dye-sensitized solar cells that are capable of generating electricity.