The Expo organizer and Nepalese officials light 12 lamps in celebration of the occasion.

Huang Jianzhi, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination

Rajendra Mahato, the Nepalese Minister of Commerce and Supplies

Purushottam Ojha, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies of Nepal

The foundation of the Nepal Pavilion was completed yesterday as Rajendra Mahato, the Nepalese Minister of Commerce and Supplies and Huang Jianzhi, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, buried some soil and water brought from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

With the theme "Tales of Kathmandu City," the pavilion will capture important historic moments of the city. The pavilion will put on display the luster of Katmandu, the capital city of Nepal and an architectural, artistic and cultural center that has developed over 2,000 years.

The theme touches upon the soul of a city by exploring its past and future. Another highlight of the pavilion will be Nepal's efforts in environmental protection and developing renewable energies.

The pavilion is in the form of an ancient Buddhist temple in Kathmandu, surrounded by traditional Nepalese houses.

A car or motorcycle rally will run from Lumbini to the Expo site. The rally will bring the "eternal flame of peace" to Shanghai from Nepal.

an artist's rendition of the Nepal pavilion

an artist's rendition of the Nepal pavilion

an artist's rendition of the Nepal pavilion