Chinese netizens have been sharing their feelings and questions about the opening ceremony of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai since it kicked off on Friday night and was broadcast live on TV.

"Ha ha! It's breathtaking to listen to the BIE President speaking Chinese. I like him," said netizen "Luren Jia" on the popular website of Tianya.cn.

Many netizens have become fans of Jean-Pierre Lafon, president of the Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE), after he delivered a speech at the opening ceremony in French, English and broken Chinese.

Some said they could not help laughing in front of the television while watching him delivering the speech. "His Chinese is not good, but he is so cute!" said another netizen.

French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy also caught netizens' attention, who accompanied French President Nicolas Sarkozy to attend the opening ceremony.

"Who's that blonde beauty? She is too eye-catching," Some netizens left messages inquiring about her just seconds after her face showed up on TV, followed by instant answers with detailed profile of Bruni.

Many commended Italian pop tenor Andrea Bocelli and others showed interests in U.S. singers Jonathan Buck and Siedah Garrett, among other foreign performers invited from different countries.

A large number of netizens have given much credit to the two-hour ceremony that consisted of an indoor gala and a grand display of lighting and fireworks alongside the city's Huangpu River.

"It is really spectacular! We are all talking about it while watching. Go, Expo! Love you Shanghai!" said netizen "235113998".

The Expo, for the first time held in a developing country, is scheduled to last for six months from May 1 to Oct.31. It is expected to attract 70 million visitors from home and abroad.

(Xinhua News Agency May 1, 2010)