The expo also serves as an ideal classroom for young volunteers to better understand Xi Jinping's thoughts on ecological development and practicing green concepts to build a beautiful China, said Meng.

His words were echoed by Wang Wanlu after she, as one of 100 volunteer representatives, attended the welcoming ceremony for state leaders.

"I was really thrilled to watch the grand ceremony actually happening right before me. It inspired me a lot," said Wang. The 22-year-old is a senior majoring in landscape gardening at Beijing Forestry University and works as a volunteer near the United Arab Emirates Pavilion.

"President Xi's speech will guide my academic life and career. He said we should pursue scientific spirit in ecological governance, which I think is particularly meaningful for students in my major," she said, envisioning the future.

Her young face pair well with the white-and-blue uniforms, made of eco-friendly material and designed with elements of the expo, such as the butterfly-shaped International Pavilion.