Shanghai event reinforced nation's position on global stage

Editor's note: In "Footprint", a series of stories recalling important examples of China interacting with the rest of the world, we follow the country's path over the past seven decades.

In 1851, Chinese merchant Xu Deqiong laid out his finest silk in Shanghai ahead of showing it during the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace, in Hyde Park, London, a venue built specially to stage the first global expo.

The silks exhibited by Xu caused a sensation and were awarded gold and silver medals.

China's participation at the event was also captured by the British artist Henry Selous, who included a Chinese merchant in his painting The Opening of the Great Exhibition.