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Have a first-rate experience at the 2010 Expo with CIAC Travel

By Gabriel Bazama, CIAC Travel

Since it’s foundation in the year 1851, the world’s fair, better known as the World Expo has evolved tremendously.  The first Expo was held in The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London under the designation “The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations.”  Since then it has taken on the purpose of bringing people from all over the world together to experience global interaction and ground breaking developments in technology and a wide variety of industries.  In the new century, the purpose of the expo has shifted focus to developing national branding and national recognition.  What better place to showcase the congruence of global culture and societal evolution then the center of trade and industry within China than the incredible modern metropolis of Shanghai?

 

Have a first-rate experience at the 2010 Expo with CIAC Travel

By Gabriel Bazama, CIAC Travel

Since it’s foundation in the year 1851, the world’s fair, better known as the World Expo has evolved tremendously.  The first Expo was held in The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London under the designation “The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations.”  Since then it has taken on the purpose of bringing people from all over the world together to experience global interaction and ground breaking developments in technology and a wide variety of industries.  In the new century, the purpose of the expo has shifted focus to developing national branding and national recognition.  What better place to showcase the congruence of global culture and societal evolution then the center of trade and industry within China than the incredible modern metropolis of Shanghai? 

The 2010 Expo is expected attract the largest number of official participants and visitors in the history of the World Exposition.  After the incredible display and presentation of the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, people around the world have come to expect nothing short of spectacular from the people of China.  From the previews of the expo, they won’t be disappointed.

The Expo will take place from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2010.The site of the Shanghai World Expo is on both sides of the Huangpu River, in the districts of Pudong, meaning east of the Huangpu and Puxi, meaning west of the Huangpu.  Upon its completion, the Expo will cover a massive total area of 2.2 square miles.  The 2010 China International Fair has chosen the motto, “Better city, Better life,” with an emblem and mascot derived from Chinese characters symbolizing harmony between nations. The emblem is green to show commitment to sustainable development and the mascot is blue like the sea which has fostered the city’s rejuvenated prosperity.

The vast multi-purpose Expo Boulevard is among the site’s largest structures and will also act as the main thoroughfare for the entire event. Topped with a canopy, two floors underground and one above, the boulevard will be retained after the exhibition as a dynamic 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.

The China pavilion itself is a modern building, incorporating traditional elements such as the color red which reflects Chinese culture. It will hold national and regional exhibitions and displays dedicated to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The 385 yard-long World Expo Centre will host ceremonies and meetings while the Expo Performance Centre will feature an adjustable stage and seating for up to 18,000 spectators.

Some country’s pavilions have opted to highlight traditional architecture but many will display very innovative and unique designs, like the United Arab Emirates “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, have been renovated and integrated into the expo.

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.  Sub-themes include urban growth, science and technology, reshaping urban communities and strengthening links between urban and rural areas.  The Urban Best Practice Area will offer individual cities the chance to discuss their own ideas to improve the quality of life in urban environments. 

We’re all waiting with great anticipation for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.  It will not only be a tremendous event for China, but the world community at large. 

Over 240 participating nations and non-governmental organizations have registered for Expo Shanghai to accommodate the 70 million visitors who are expected to attend.  Given these numbers, it is highly recommended to reserve hotels and buy show tickets well in advance.  Booking reservations with China Insight’s travel partner, CIAC Travel of Bloomington, MN is always the best choice for China travel.  Not only will CIAC guarantee a first-rate experience at the 2010 Expo, but the friendly and knowledgeable staff will ensure that you always have a great local resource for all matters related to China travel. 

For more information on how CIAC can help you experience this once in a lifetime event visit the CIAC Travel Web site, www.ciactravel.com or call CIAC Travel at 888-832-6028, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .