China International Fair has chosen the motto ‘better city, better life’, with an emblem and mascot derived from Chinese characters symbolising harmony among nations. The emblem is green to show commitment to sustainable development, the mascot is blue like the sea which has nurtured the city’s prosperity.
Over 240 participants have registered so far for Expo Shanghai and international NGOs working in related areas are also invited to attend. Some 70 million visitors are expected in Shanghai in 2010 and it’s best to book hotels and buy show tickets in advance. Ticket details will be posted on the World Expo website in due course.
Expo Shanghai 2010, Riverside Location
World Expo, Shanghai 2010, will be staged on both banks of the river Huangpu, on a 5.28 km² area of which the Pudong district will claim the larger share. There will be indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces and an Expo Garden.
The vast multi-purpose Expo Boulevard is among the site’s largest structures and will also act as the main thoroughfare. Topped with a canopy, two floors underground and one above, the Expo Boulevard will be retained after the exhibition as a major city attraction.
The Expo site is divided into five zones for ease of navigation with pavilion groups and clusters, each one with its own facilities, including restaurants and shops.
World Expo 2010, Top Pavilions
The China pavilion is a modern slim-lined building, incorporating traditional elements, such as the colour red, to reflect Chinese culture. It will hold national and regional exhibitions and displays dedicated to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The 350 metre long World Expo Centre will host ceremonies and meetings while the Expo Performance Centre claims adjustable stage and seating, for up to 18000 spectators. Like the Theme Pavilions, it’s an eco-friendly development.
Some countries such as Nepal have opted to highlight traditional architecture but most sport innovative designs, like the UAE sea shell building or the cauldron shaped structure of Finland. Foreign national pavilions will be arranged by continent and some of Shanghai’s old industrial sites, like the Jiangnan shipyard, will be renovated and integrated into the project.
China International Fair, Urban Living, Better City Better Life
At the heart of Expo Shanghai lies the worldwide diversity of urban living and the need for nations to cooperate to build a better future. The Urban Best Practice Area will offer individual cities the chance to discuss their own programmes to improve the quality of life in urban environments. Participants will be invited to share practices which have proved their worth and present new ideas and projects.
Sub-themes include urban growth, science and technology, reshaping urban communities and strengthening links between urban and rural areas.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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