Dreary gray skies and nighttime rains showers didn't deter thousands of spectators from watching an impressive hour-long fireworks display and concert that ushered in Taipei's answer to Expo 2010 Shanghai. Saturday marked the grand opening of the 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo in which 8 million visitors are expected attend.

Over 3,300 species of plants and flowers have been planted in and around 14 pavilions in Taipei. The International Flora Exposition is coordinated by the International Association of Horticulture Producers, an organization that represents horticulture groups. The first International Flora Exposition was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 1960. Since then, it has been held numerous times in China and Japan but never Taiwan.

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The Shanghai Biennale, a massive city-wide art show, is back for its eighth installment. This year's theme is "Rehearsal." From photography to painting to sculpture, artists from around the world are showcasing their works around town until Jan. 23. Art imitates life at Shanghai Biennale with many artworks pondering the current economic situation.

For a list of artists, click here. Can't visit the Shanghai Biennale in person, you can check out the artwork online.

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Election Day is here which means Americans have been bombarded with campaign ads in an effort to garner last minute support. China has been one issue that's been contemplated, debated and stars in several ads.

In a television ad by Citizens Against Government Waste, a Chinese professor lectures to a group of students in 2030AD. The ad shows what its creators think will happen if America continues to let China hold so much of its debt - America's economy will collapse and Americans will be working for China. Watch the ad here.

Happy Halloween!
Lauren Mack / About.com

Even though Halloween is not officially celebrated in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan, it does not go unnoticed. In larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Taipei, it is not uncommon to see Halloween decorations and costume accessories at stores and little children wearing the costumes as part of their English classes or for fun.

There is a huge store on my street in Taipei that put up its Halloween display Oct. 1. From pumpkin lights to six-foot-long spider webs to devil horns, this local store is a one-stop shop for Halloween festivities. The best part about the shop is the enthusiastic sales staff who, in an attempt to get people to buy Halloween products, stand in front of the store while wearing a mishmash of Halloween accessories.