China is a country that is hard to ignore with its economic and social importance, cultural diversity, for being one of the longest continuous civilizations and accounting for more than 1/3 of the world population. Shanghai is its capital city and is an embodiment of modern China with looming high-rise buildings and futuristic infrastructure.
From May 1st to October 31st the capital will be host to one of the biggest expositions the world has ever seen. The Expo 2010 Shanghais themed Better City, Better Life could not have come at a better time when the city is already making plans to go green. The exposition is an effort to make a global impact for reinventing urban development and promoting sustainable development on a global scale. Around 70 million visitors are expected with more than 190 countries and over 50 international organizations participating.
Shanghai Expo 2010 is located on the banks of the Nanpu River including thw Nanpu BridgeLupu Bridge area of Shanghai and covers a total of 5.28 km2. There are 5 zones from A-E; each of these zones are inter-segregated by pavilions that are represented by countries and regions. Zone A is dominated by Asian countries while Zone B by Western and international organizations who are also participating: ASEAN, FFA, WWC INBAR and many more. Zone C is occupied by African states and the Caribbean community and Central and South American countries. There are even themed pavilions like Urbanian Pavillion, Pavillion of City Being. Footprint, Future and Urban Planet that explore newer dimensions in city living
The exposition is comprises the Shanghai China Culture and Event Programme, Technical Manual Venues for Culture and Event programmes and thematic events as well as events organized by participants and tours. Each pavilion is characterized by the countrys origins and affinities by exhibiting its culture and portraying a unique theme within the expo theme. For instance, the Polish Pavillion Kirnu was enthused by nature and is thus encircled by water.
Brimming with cultural shows, tours, competitions and so much more such as painting competitions, Chinese style wedding, and black tea performance, it is a rare opportunity for visitors to experience all types of cultures in one venue. It is also a great place to witness different types of architecture as well. For instance, the Nepal Pavilion is a large Buddhist pagoda right in the center of the pavilion and bordered by a few folk houses showcasing traditional architecture and art of Nepal. Most pavilions usually have interactive games and little films clips for viewing to learn more about each representatives background.
The exposition is also a celebration of the arts with many forms of dance being performed at the venue. Among these, some to check out would be Japanese traditional dance, inner Mongolian dances, Dance America, HK ballet, Japanese traditional dance and a Chopin inspired dance piece, Music enthusiasts will be in for a treat with the diverse acts and the converging of classical genres with the contemporary. Kimmo Phojonen, Five Corners Quintet, Turisas, Stratovarius Villa Nah and Top Billin are some of the outfits that will liven up the occasion. One of the musical highlights will be classical music being played on Chinese instruments. There will even be western rock bands performing such as Negative. Visitors can also catch theatre performances like Finnish fairy tales.
This one of a kind exposition demands several days of your attention, and if it is a place to stay you need, Shanghai city has plenty of places to choose from. However why not enhance your experience further by lingering at a place that captures the essence of the city in all its luxury with class and style intact: The
Langham Yangtse Boutique Hotel Shanghai. You will find this
hotel in Shanghai, down Hankou Road with glorious rooms encapsulating Parisian art deco from a bygone era. The service is star class and sensitive to the old world charm. Your visit to Shanghai will then be complete in the lap of comfort and convenience in one of the best
Shanghai hotels.
