By Yu Li

Among the European "global commons", there is a pavilion whose exterior walls carries a big Chinese character of山(mountain), and this is the Swiss Pavilion. The Mountain theme represents not only the geographic features of the Switzerland, but also symbolizes the Swiss culture, and its philosophy to coexist with mountains. The goal of the theme is to enable visitors to experience the energy, strength, tranquility and soothing effect of mountains.
Despite the absence of piles of snow outside it, the Swiss Pavilion still prepares sleighs and temporary slides for visitors to experience in Japan the romantic feelings of skiing in 'Switzerland"! Entering the pavilion, it feels like coming into a mountain cave, where the designers have created a mountainous atmosphere by spray paintings and artificial landscapes. Before the cavern door opens, every visitor will get an old-style Army torch, which is a a remodelled version of the Swiss Army flashlight that functions not only as lights, but also as talking machines to give information on the exhibits.

Visitors to be admitted to these sections in groups of 15 are provided with talking machines. When light is turned on an exhibit, the flashlight gives information by voice in Japanese or English. Walking through dimly lit exhibition areas with a flashlight in hand, visitors will feel as if exploring an unknown world.
The flashlight is equipped with light inducting device, and you could press the button on the back of the flashlight upon seeing any light-response boards for exhibits, and a beam of light will flash in the direction of the center of the guidance boards, triggering the operation of the background lighting and the talking machines. There is also a tour guide speaker at the back of the flashlight, and when light is turned on an exhibit, the flashlight gives information by voice in Japanese or English. The flashlight not only gives the visitors a historical sense, but also triggers curiosity among visitors.
The central component in the Swiss Pavilion is the "journey of experience" in the grand mountains of Switzerland. The innovative designs are also eye-catching when entering the cave. These mountains, which are kept at a constant temperature, are divided into five giant, transparent bubbles made out of plastics, and visitors are let in through the five bubbles to enjoy the mountainous landscape out of the bubbles. These five bubbles comprise different exhibition areas, and visitors are to be admitted to these sections in groups of 15. The bubble sections are entitled "Swiss Myths," "Visions," "Risks and Caution," "Top of Science" and "Monte Rosa."
The "Swiss Myths" section features a surrealistic mural by Swiss artist Hans Erni, who was active in the early 20th century, and a stuffed dog - a Saint Bernard named Barry, which is noted for rescue work in the Alps.

The "Visions" section introduces Swiss adventurers who won nature's favor, such as balloonist Bertrand Piccard who, with Brian Jones of Britain, flew non-stop around the world in the first balloon ever to circle the world, astronaut Claude Nicollier (born in Vevey, Switzerland) and Alinghi Syndicate head Ernesto Bertarelli, who won the America's Cup yacht race.
The "Risks and Caution" section depicts great disasters that actually occurred in Switzerland as a reminder of the need to provide against disasters.
The "Top of Science" section presents the state-of-the-art achievements of Swiss science, including research on artificial intelligence, the world's first Web browser and computer models of Bamiyan Buddhist statues in Afghanistan, which have now disappeared.
The last "Monte Rosa" section features a project for the reconstruction of the famous Monte Rosa mountain villa.
The genuine design of the Swiss Pavilion still continues despite the completion of the journey of experience, and visitors can also have a taste of the Swiss food and drinks.
Actually, there are not many exhibits in the Swiss Pavilion, but visitors to the pavilion can gain a special and unique experience here. The multifunctional flashlight and the special ways to explore the unknown cavern world can easily trigger visitors' curiosity for new things under the obscure atmosphere, creating special feelings among visitors. The mountains and caves reflect the history and lifestyle in Switzerland, representing the country's coexistence with nature.

Photos
1. The exterior of the Swiss Pavilion
2. Smiles from the Alps
3. Old-style Army Torches
4. The serendipitous exploration in mountain caves adds a special and unique atmosphere for visitors
5. The first exhibition area of the pavilion
6. World famous Swiss Army knives.