Haibao skates around Shanghai Expo 2010 float

Shanghai 2010 Expo mania is clearly not limited to our fair city. The “Better City, Better Life” themed Expo float made its debut at the 121st Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

The 16.8 meter long and 11 meter high float was complete with everything “Expo” from the reproductions of the China Pavilion (probably the most recognized Expo building) to the replicas of the Shanghai Pudong Bund skyline. The float took over 50,000 roses to complete.

More eye catching than Jackie Chan’s presence (or Yao Ming’s absence due to his foot injury) on the Shanghai float were the 80 members of the Haibao roller skating dance troupe. Made up of local Shanghai children, the students flanked the float on roller skates, dressed in blue Haibao costumes which also seemed to vaguely resemble fish. Maybe Haibao's newest incarnation? Considering the character now has a British accent (check out the new English Expo site and see for yourself) who knows what he's capable of.