The Danish Pavilion consists of an outdoor and an indoor area which are united in one circle. The pavilion aims to give visitors the chance to savor the best aspects of Danish urban life.

The pavilion, called "Welfairytales" - a blend of the words "welfare" and "fairy tales" - will also feature a salt water pool filled with water from the Danish harbor. The mermaid is expected to make its Chinese debut at the pool.

The Danish Pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo will showcase a fairy tale world with the Little Mermaid, the country's symbol, set to make her first visit to Shanghai in 2010.

But Danes won't miss their mermaid too much - her stay in Shanghai will be filmed and screened back in Denmark.

Meanwhile, Chinese artists have been invited to submit outstanding sculptures for public display during the six-month Expo event.

One masterpiece will be chosen each month to be go on display at the Expo site.