This year the World Expo is 159 years old. How has the event managed to stand the test of time and adapted to a changing world? Wu Jianmin, honorary chairman of the Bureau International des Expositions says the secret is that the World Expo has never forgotten its mission – to advance human civilization.

To be more specific, the Expo's secret lies in its ability to demonstrate the achievements of civilizations, encourage communication between different cultures, and celebrate the ability of human beings to overcome difficulties.

This secret is the true meaning of the world Expo, and the Shanghai Expo with its theme of "Better City, Better Life" is no exception.

People visit the Expo with differing expectations. Some will be expecting an opening ceremony as stunning as that of the Beijing Olympics; some will be hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrities; still others just want to take photos of all the strange, beautiful and grand pavilions. Although these people are not wrong, we would do better to pay attention to the deeper meaning of the Expo.

Wu Jianzhong, curator of Shanghai Library, admits the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Expo won't be as spectacular as other international events. The Expo is focused on human development and is not going to spring as many surprises as the Beijing Olympic ceremonies.

The civilizations showcased in the pavilions should attract our attention more than star-studded receptions and opening ceremonies attended by heads of state. The pavilions are bursting with imagination. Take the Japanese Pavilion for example. The building, called "Purple Silkworm Island", has walls that purify the atmosphere and collect rain. It has cameras that double up as telescopes. These inspiring inventions are the real treasures of the Expo.

According to Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, secretary-general of the Bureau International des Expositions, the Expo will focus on our tangible and intangible world heritage. It is a chance for us all to understand our past achievements, and look forward to the future.

This post was first published in Chinese and translated by Wu Jin.