Shanghai World Expo – facts, figures, and its purpose
Haibao, the Expo 2010 mascot
The Shanghai World Expo is in full gear right now, about halfway through its 184-day run. Yes, you read that right – 184 days! Ticket sales will likely exceed $1 billion USD, yet few Americans are probably even aware of its existence. Here’s a quick education:
China put in the bid to host the 2010 World Expo in Nov 1999 and won the bid in Dec 2002. Besides being the most expensive Expo in the history of world’s fairs (estimates vary, but it’s safe to say the costs range from $44-55 billion),1 Shanghai also boasts the largest World’s Fair site to date (roughly 2 square miles).
192 countries (of 195 in the world, depending how you count) and 50 international organizations have confirmed their participation in the world expo that showcases the latest advances of architecture and engineering worldwide. Over 50 incumbent heads of state or government are scheduled to visit.
More facts:
- Duration: May 1 to Oct 31, 2010
- Where: On both banks of the Huangpu River in the city of Shanghai
- Theme: “Better City, Better Life” — to promote better living in future urban environments and sustainable living.
- Expected Visitors: 70+ million (which would make it the most visited in history) – 95% expected to come from within China
- Live shows: 20,000 scheduled
- Ticket price: 160 RMB / $24 USD
The purpose of expos has since evolved from its inception in 1851 to be more future oriented with themes focused on issues of humankind, intent on cross-cultural exchange of solutions. Technology and inventions remain an important aspect of Expos but are no longer the primary purpose.
Shanghai was a popular choice this time around because it is one of the largest ports in the world, the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, and considered the “next great world city” of the 21st Century.
Expos are linked to our past and future, and now that you know the biggest one ever is occurring right now, you’ll have something to share at the dinner table.
Read on:
CSMonitor.com – China’s Shanghai Expo 2010 – by the numbers
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