Australia Pavilion
- City Weekend
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Constructed of red ochre curving walls, this pavilion evokes images of the desert, a stark contrast to the stifling humidity of Shanghai summers. A tour through the building invites the visitor to “journey, discover and enjoy” Oz. The journey introduces its history and diverse culture through pictures and interactive exhibits, after which visitors discover dynamic and modern Australian cities in a theatre-in-the-round audio-visual show. After an educational experience, relax and enjoy the food, wine, shopping and art of the world’s smallest continent.
Reviews Been there? Add a review!
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From an Australian expat's perspective, I thought that the Australian pavilion was over hyped and unimpressive. The building itself provides the visual structure of one of Australia's most famous landmarks- Ayers Rock. It's stylish curves of the mahogany exterior builds up for a lackluster interior. The walkway around the building is surrounded by tinted windows that remind me of the dust storm of Sydney late last year- though not intentional, it is not a good reminder of this day. The internal features inside are childish and tacky- there are toy figures of past presidents and sports stars with exaggerated features that oggle the passers by. Most of the references shown throughout the pavilion seem like they only cater to Australian visitors- Im not sure how many Chinese citizens would know of Cathy Freeman and her famous onsie running suit? The main feature of the Australian pavilion is a stimulating visual show, with rotating screens showing the pavilions mascots playing in a sandpit.I visited the pavilion wanting to see scenes of the cities or my favorite beaches that i dearly miss, not to see 3d children playing in a sandpit. I think that visitors might be more interested in the lush rainforest's of the Daintree or the arid deserts of Central Australia over what was provided.
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The building is impressive. I love the way they captured the feeling of the sunset with the design of the glass walkways. The exhibit was interesting. They could have provided some live aboriginal performances to demonstrate the didgeridoo's. That would have made it complete ;-)
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As an Australian citizen, the pressure was on for the Australian Pavilion to wow me and to make standing in queue for 60 minutes worthwhile. According to the brief that had appeared in my hand whilst waiting in queue, the purpose of the site was to “showcase Australian innovation, creativity and achievement”.
After making it to the front entrance, the crowd and I were sent through a twisting and cramped maze of animated dioramas, posters and poorly edited videos all touching on the history of Australia. It was a bit cute and a bit cheesy, but overall it reminded me of an over-the-top high school diorama competition. With no time to stop and smell the roses the crowd was then ushered into a theatre where a three minute production was presented about Australia and how it came to be “a global centre of excellence”. When the show ended, the crowd and I sprinted for the exits and we found ourselves in the main foyer where we had the option of buying souvenirs from the gift shop or eating Australian delicacies from the canteen.
I was left feeling dazed, confused and little bit deflated.
I could not help but think that the Australian Pavillion may have failed to present a clear vision of the country that it was probably hoping to invoke. The result was instead a murky image of Australia’s past, dumbed down by colourful and animated cartoons with contrasting elements that failed to unify. It would have been more positive to see the pavillion explore the emerging Australian arts scene more and truly showcase Australians innovation and creativity.
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The burger (RMB68) is great, but skip the fries. I also don't recommend the veggie wrap (RMB35), which by 10pm is a soggy, floppy mass of cold vegetables you won't quite recognize.
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I went on evening after 5pm (by the way can just buy a 90 RMB evening ticket at one of the gate).
As it was late (around 9.30) I didn't have to queue. The building is nice from outside with a warm color and big building. However Inside it is simplest but still the warm color and relaxing feeling. Inside there is a history of Australia done with some kind of mini plastic characters, it is very alive, colorful, entertaining, creative (I really love this part). Then there is some TV on the ceiling showing mini film of Australia I guess to animate and make us wait for the movie. Then there is the show that is an animated movie with 3 children, It is very well done technically, beautiful to look but the content on itself is more common, maybe for a western audience at least. Foreigners can ask the staff for a headset in English.
In the big area downstairs you can find some nice Australian beers and a good band playing rock. I would just have preferred that this area would be more convivial with a proper space on its own.
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The pavilion is friendly and well-organised. The technology associated with the audio-visual show is intriguing. Visit late at night when all the other pavilions have closed. You can drink Australian beers, eat pies and listen to their great band.
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Had the chance to visit on Monday, April 26 and found it was a fun lovin' pavilion just like the Aussies I know! The people flow is good, interesting and fun displays in Enlish and Chinese which keep your attention as you move on towards the "show." The show is pretty cool, but after walking all day I really wish we could've sat (rather than stand/lean) for it. Also, the show was all in Chinese with no English subtitles or option for headset. The staff members were helpful and welcoming.
I went there at 4 pm. and it's great to see a movie show there :D It's a big pavilion and the color on the wall is beautiful~~