After three years of careful planning, Hong Kong's eye-catching pavilion at World Expo in Shanghai will highlight the theme of "Hong Kong - Potential Unlimited".

It will showcase the city's unique connectivity with the Mainland and the world. It will also illustrate the infinite potential for enhancing city life in a place with limited land resources.

The head of Hong Kong's Economic & Trade Office in Shanghai, Patrick Chan, says participating in the expo means a lot to Hong Kong - and he gives convincing reasons for Hong Kong residents to make the trip to see it.

Visit Shanghai: Patrick Chan says the Hong Kong pavilion highlights the city's achievements and its unique characteristics.

"First, you should ask yourself how many times in your life will you be able to see an expo? Second, how many times in your life that an Expo is held by your own country and in your Motherland? Third question is, how many times will you actually be able to participate in one way or another in an expo that is organised by your own country?"

The first World Expo took place in 1851 in London. The event takes place every five years and lasts for six months. The Shanghai expo - with the theme of "Better City, Better Life", represents some 'firsts' and will break many records.

"In terms of participation in the larger-scale registered expos, Hong Kong has in fact participated before in the 1970 Osaka expo and the 1986 Vancouver expo. This time it's different. It's going to be held in our Motherland in Shanghai, and this will be the first- ever expo organised by a developing country," Mr Chan said.

"There will be many new records. For example, the number of participants is already a new record. Organisers have confirmed there will be altogether 242 countries and international organisations that have confirmed their participations. Also, the estimated number of visitors will be more than 70 million."

The three-storey, Hong Kong pavilion has two outstanding features: A lofty, transparent mid-level exhibition hall reflects the openness of Hong Kong society, while the third-floor rooftop has a wetland park, to symbolise Hong Kong's connectivity to nature.

More than 7,000 visitors a day are expected to tour the Hong Kong Pavilion. What will they remember most?

"I think you would have the impression that this is truly a good piece of work by Hong Kong people. The Hong Kong pavilion in your impression will be a sleek but modern structure, small but efficient, using very limited space and the most modern technologies to showcase Hong Kong's edge and achievements."

Hong Kong is embracing its expo participation wholeheartedly. Mr Chan points out that, along with its own pavilion, it is taking part in the first-ever Urban Best Practices Area exhibition. Those who aren't able to visit Shanghai in person can still tour the Hong Kong pavilion - online.

The city is spreading its cultural wings at the expo, also, organising more than 55 different major activities throughout the six-month expo period - inside and outside the sprawling expo park - in different venues throughout Shanghai.

"This will be the biggest ever endeavour by our cultural sector to organise serious performances outside Hong Kong," Mr Chan said.

The government has earmarked about $25 million to pay for part of the expenses to have about 24 groups perform in Shanghai. This will involve more than 1,200 people, on stage and behind the scenes.

"So this will be the first, biggest ever, outside Hong Kong endeavour for our cultural and performing sector."

The city should see a long-lasting return on its investment in this expo.

"We would like to showcase Hong Kong to the rest of the world, that we are an open and accommodating ultra-modern city where there is a lot of potential and opportunities. Hopefully, we'll raise our profile, improve our image in the international community," Mr Chan said.

"Benefits to Hong Kong will not just come in economic terms. Through participation, through exchanges and co-operation, we'll be able to raise our quality standards and competitiveness - which are all important to our future development."