A method for representing XML information is provided. A serialized image of XML information is generated. The serialized image comprises a collection of one or more serialized data values, where each particular serialized data value in the collection includes data associated with a particular serialized data value type of a plurality of serialized data value types. The serialized image may also comprise a first field that includes a first value, which indicates that the serialized image includes the collection of one or more serialized data values. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a database system that supports a native XML data type, wherein the XML information is one or more instances of the native XML data type.