|
Page 1 of 2 2008 was the year when the world’s eye was fixed on Beijing. The year 2010 will be Shanghai’s turn. From May 1st to October 31st 2010, an estimated 70 million visitors will visit Shanghai for the 2010 Shanghai Expo, the first World Exposition to be held in a developing country. Covering a total area of 5.28 square kilometers and involving over 242 participants, the World Expo, with its 150 year history, is considered one of the world’s top events just after the Olympic Games and the World Cup. Past Expos have left iconic landmarks in their wake, such as the Eiffel Tower or Space Needle in Seattle. China is certainly not one to do a lackluster job, and with the recent sensational success of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, one can only wait with great anticipation for the wonders of China’s first ever Expo to be unveiled. Since winning the bid to host the World Expo in 2002, approximately 28.6 billion yuan ($4.17 billion USD) have been invested in the event, with life in Shanghai acutely geared to hosting one of the biggest events the world has ever seen. 
Logo of Expo 2010 Shanghai
Expo 2010 Shanghai Theme: World Expos began promoting special themes since Chicago started the trend in 1933. The theme for the 2010 China Expo is “Better City, Better Life.” The urban focused theme, aims to promote sustainable and harmonious living in the world’s cities. Strategic and sustainable development has become a central concern of the international community, especially since the United Nations predicts that 55% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2010. Since the goal of World Expos in general is to promote the exchange of ideas and development of the world economy, culture, science and technology, the 2010 Shanghai Expo will create blue prints for future cities and provide an educational platform for the people of the world. Location and Shanghai Expo Site: There are many reasons why Shanghai was chosen as 2010 World Expo site. First and foremost, Shanghai is the most prosperous international metropolis in China. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient” or “the Paris of the East”, Shanghai is known throughout the world for its modern urban construction and high-tech infrastructure. However, equally important is the fact that Shanghai is a great city to visit. Shanghai has an allure that other cities in China simply lack. Perhaps it is the fact that it is a melting pot between East and West, old and new. Or maybe it’s the lingering charm of the French and German influence on Shanghai’s cityscape. Either way, Shanghai’s countless sh
|