Gov. Linda Lingle is celebrating the opening of Hawaii Week in Shanghai with hula performances and Hawaiian music.

Lingle presided over an official ribbon cutting yesterday that marked the beginning of Hawaii Week at the USA Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo.

The festivities attracted overflow crowds as Lingle and Hawaii officials showcase Hawaii’s tourist attractions, trade opportunities and study abroad programs.

Lingle also addressed more than 100 journalists about the prospects for welcoming visitors from China to the Hawaiian islands.

Meanwhile, Hawaii agriculture officials met with their Chinese counterparts to promote produce from the islands.

Lingle concludes her four-day stay in Shanghai on today.