Cultural exchanges are a defining element of the World Expo, and public performances play a large part.?Our reporter?interviewed a group of artists who have been entertaining crowds since the trial operations started more than six months ago.

They might look scary, but You Xiaodong, Zhang Junyi, and Jin Chen know how to use paint to draw attention. Bold in their choice of colors, these three art school graduates proudly flaunt their character, while applying one last layer of makeup.

The patterns vary from person to person. You Xiaodong is going for a "mummy" look this time. The procedure took 20 minutes, but it will be considerably shorter when they go out to decorate others.

You Xiaodong, Artist, said, "Many participants are reluctant at first, but after we paint their faces, they leave the stage as happy as a clam."

Entertaining long lines of tourists at the Expo Stage, each trio member paints at least 50 faces every day, about 30,000 visitors in all, during the past six months. And why are they are such an audience magnet? I decided to find out by testing their skills myself.

Zhang Nini, CCTV Reporter, said, "The beauty of a public performance is that you do not just stand on the sidelines, you get to be part of the action and fun. Check this out ... my face is decorated as well. It will be my special Expo memory."

Many others have the same idea.

Visitor, World Expo Park, said,"These guys are great!"

Visitor, World Expo Park, said, "I absolutely love it ..."

Visitor, World Expo Park, said, "I've seen body painting on TV and in newspapers. It's artistic."

Cross-cultural dialogue is a defining element of the World Expo. Artists from all across the globe have staged more than 3,000 public presentations in Shanghai since May, attracting some 27 million spectators.

Aiming to do much more than display a country's unique characteristics, the performers have bridged gaps by reaching out to the crowds, sometimes with their most sizzling moves, thus creating truly memorable shows for those in attendance.

The spectacles could just be happy diversions after visiting pavilions, but for Li Liheng, a good show show always brings people together.

Li Liheng, Director of City Square Arts Festival, said, "These guys are original and humorous, and during their performance, they always interact with visitors. I think this could explain the popular appeal of their show."

Zhang Junyi, Artist, said, "The dialogue is necessary. The world is becoming smaller, thanks to the spread of the Internet and convenient transportation. The participants in our show are outgoing by nature. They crave such a platform to try something new."

Just like the painters themselves, many people are now bravely trying different things feats they would probably shy away from, if not for the World Expo.

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