Expo, which started on May 1 and runs until Oct 31, showcases the latest in urban-living concepts in pavilions from practically every country and many international organizations, cities and big corporations.

Yet, the highlight of the Expo site on Friday was the China Pavilion, an embodiment of the nation's power and pride. Each visitor to the hall was given a gift bag including a broach and souvenir postcard.

David Ziskind, a visitor from Israel, said he was impressed by the pavilion's gigantic structure, which at 69 meters tall is triple the height of nearby pavilions.

"It represents a powerful country, celebrating its economic success," he said.

On Thursday evening, the country's top leaders, including President Hu, attended a Beijing reception to mark the 61st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"China's development will neither harm anyone nor pose a threat to anyone," Premier Wen said at the reception. The argument that a strong country is bound to seek hegemony does not apply to China, he added.

This is the last year for implementing China's 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10). Premier Wen said the country is at a "new historical starting point", and the coming five years will be crucial to China's efforts in building a prosperous society.

On Friday, more than 150,000 people attended the flag-raising ceremony on Tian'anmen Square, regarded as an honor on the National Day by the Chinese.

The National Day saw millions of people on the move as they traveled to see friends and families during the holidays.

However, bad weather and accidents on Friday morning caused delays to many.

The Beijing-Tibet Expressway had been jammed since early morning on Friday due to a traffic accident and a 20-kilometer jam had developed by mid-morning.

Rail traffic was especially heavy in and out of Beijing.

The number of people who left the capital by train reached a peak of 280,000 on Thursday, the Ministry of Railways said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 3, 2010)