Four high-profile stars were appointed ambassadors to Shanghai World Expo today, on the 50-day countdown to the event's opening in May.

They are Hong Kong pop and film star Andy Lau, gymnast and entrepreneur Li Ning from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Beijing talk show hostess and businesswoman Yang Lan, and contemporary classical composer Tan Du.

Lau was appointed Goodwill Ambassador, and said he looked forward to encouraging all Chinese people to promote the Expo.

Li, who won 106 gold medals in competitions in China and abroad, became the Expo Health Ambassador. Li, also chairman and founder of the Li Ning Company which sells footwear and sporting apparel, said he will hold various activities to promote the Expo.

Yang, also co-owner with her husband Wu Zheng of Sun Television Cybernetworks in Shanghai, was appointed the Image Ambassador. She said she will use her media working experiences to promote the event.

Tan is the Culture Ambassador, working with American composer Quincy Jones on songs for the Expo.

Other Expo ambassadors include Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan, pianist Lang Lang from Liaoning Province and NBA star Yao Ming from Shanghai.

Editor: Yang Jian