Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng yesterday met 28 children representing 54 art troupes from 23 countries and regions at the government hall.

Han warmly welcomed the guests on behalf of the Shanghai municipal government and residents. He shook hands with every child and said he felt pleased to see such pretty and lovely children.

The Shanghai International Children's Cultural and Art Festival is a gala event that brings fun to the city, Han added.

He said he hoped children from home and abroad could take this chance to learn from each other, and become envoys to pass peace and love in the future.

The children exchanged gifts with Han and expressed good wishes to Shanghai and its people.