„Little Mermaid“ Goes to Shanghai

Denmark unveils its lovelorn statue of the Little Mermaid for the Shanghai World Expo.

The heartbroken Little Mermaid has sat on a rock overlooking Copenhagen’s port for nearly a century.

The architect of the Danish pavillion said moving the statue to China was a controversial idea, debated in parliament.

[Bjarke Ingles, Chief Architect, Danish Pavillion]:             
„When the Danish politicians learned that all of the Chinese actually grew up with the mermaid as part of their education, everybody thought it would be a beaufiful gesture to send the mermaid to China for six months.“

The Danish are also promoting clean environment in their pavillion.

They shipped water from the Copenhagen harbour and designed the pavilion in a spiral shape leading to its rooftop garden.

Visitors can ride one of Denmark’s free bicycles called city bikes around the mermaid atop a granite block.

[Xi Fang, Chinese Visitor]:            
„I feel that we can learn from the Danish because they have very good air quality as well as a very good mentality. Also, we have always known the Little Mermaid, and this is the first time I have seen it with my own eyes, and I feel it is true to the fairy tale. It is very beautiful and peaceful. I think the entire pavilion is very high-tech and very harmonious; it gives people a very relaxed feeling.“

192 countries are attending the Shanghai expo, many of which are investing record amounts in their pavilions.

Foto: NTDTV