The Russian pavilion at the Expo-2010 international exhibition in Shanghai joined celebrations of Knowledge Day in Russia on Wednesday.

Knowledge Day, traditionally observed in Russia on September 1, marks the beginning of the new academic year. The holiday has many traditions, such as offering flowers to teachers or ringing the first bell.

"We are glad to familiarize the Chinese public with this tradition, because this country has a traditional respect for those seeking knowledge," said Irina Mastusova, who heads the National Children's Fund.

As part of the celebrations, the Russian pavilion held a Russian language competition among Chinese students, postgraduates and employees of Chinese companies.

The competition was won by a team representing the Shanghai Foreign Language University.

Up to 38 million people have already visited the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, held from May 1 to October 31, 2010. More than 200 countries, regions, international organizations and big companies are taking part in the event. Up to 70 million people are expected to visit the city for the event, which has seen investment of up to $4 billion.

SHANGHAI, September 1 (RIA Novosti)