Oil: old, important, and pavilion worthy

What's black, crude, and older than even China? Oil! Everyone's favorite spoil of war has a glitzy new pavilion inspired by Beijing's water cube, and funded by China National Petroleum Corp, China Petrochemical Corp and China National Offshore Oil Corp. Highlighting the history, functions, and even odors of the natural resource, the "Oil Cube" is sure to be a major attraction for tourists from oil rich and poor countries alike.

From Shanghai Daily:

The 4,000-square-meter pavilion is sure to be the "oldest" among all the pavilions, because it will showcase the more than 500 million years of history of the formation of the petroleum.

The pavilion will be showing how the product can make our lives better, with the theme "Oil - Extending City Dreams."

As visitors approach the pavilion they will be able to catch the distinctive smell of petroleum. The facade of the pavilion, which is also a screen at night, is made from petroleum-based product. And pipes, also made of petroleum, will cross over each other and cover the surface of the pavilion.

Shanghaiist's city dreams have always had something to do with oil - we've always wished that the black sludge that sometimes comes out of our clogged drains was actually a sign of striking it rich rather than our pipes overflowing. But we suppose a humongous oil cube could be pretty dreamy, too.

Some other highlights of the 'cube:

Visitors will also be invited to touch raw petroleum and Kuang says the feeling will be unforgettable.

Some special items made from petroleum will be showcased in the post-show area. One example is a carbon fiber glove invulnerable to knife attack.

Pavilion mascots and souvenirs made from petroleum will be given out free to visitors.

We can barely contain our excitement at both touching petroleum and being able to take petroleum souvenirs home with us. We wish the knife-proof glove was a giveaway too- how we have longed for one! Needless to say, the Oil Cube will be the first stop at the Expo. But we wonder - with so much petroleum around, will the entrance be slicked over in oil as well?