An aquatic parade of flag boats sailing along the Huangpu River, followed by a fountain extravaganza, ushers in the scenario of "harmonious gathering", the second part of a three-act outdoor ceremony of the 2010 Expo Friday evening.

The act introduces more than 200 flag boats, 6,000 glowing balls, a 250-meter-wide dancing fountain with jets as high as 80 meters and two huge mobile fountains.

The act signals the warm welcome that China extends to the nations and organizations coming to Shanghai for the expo and the country's wish of prosperity to all participants.

The act segues to the theme of nature and technology - and family, the fundamental unit of human society, culminating in a dazzling laser and multimedia wonder.