What is the Shanghai Expo?
It is a large public exhibition, which involves countries around the world who showcase various aspects of their societies, including arts, international trade and relations.
When did the first Expo take place?
It was held in The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, in 1851. The title of the Expo was Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, and is often simply called The Great Exhibition.
Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, came up with the idea and it was the first international exhibition of manufactured products.
It influenced the development of various areas of society including tourism, art, international trade and design education.
The profits made from The Great Exhibition were used to found the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum; all are based in central London.
When will the Shanghai Expo take place?
It begins on 1 May 2010 and ends on 31 October 2010.
What is the Expo's location?
It will take place in Shanghai, China, in an area between the Nanpu Bridge and the Lupu Bridge along both sides of the Huangpu River.
How many people are predicted to attend?
Approximately 70 million are predicted to attend the Expo.
Who is participating at the Expo?
There will be 200 participants, comprising countries, cities, international organisations and corporations from around the world.
What is the theme of the Expo?
Better City, Better Life.
Who is the Expo's mascot?
Haibao is the mascot for the Expo. Haibao means 'treasures of the sea' and this echoes the colour of the mascot's body. It embodies Chinese culture and was created from a Chinese character, meaning people.
What does the Shanghai Expo emblem signify?
It portrays three people: you, me and him/her holding hands together and symbolises the human race as a family.
It was inspired by a Chinese character that means the world and is meant to convey the Expo's showcase of the world's diverse cultures.
How much will tickets cost?
Peak day single: 200 RMB
Peak day special (students, over 60s, disabled visitors): 120 RMB
Standard day single: 160 RMB
Standard day special: 100 RMB
3 day admission: 400 RMB
7 day admission: 900 RMB
Evening admission: 90 RMB
Group admission: For authorised travel agents only
Student group admission: For authorised travel agents and education institutes only
To book and purchase tickets for access to the Expo part, visit the official Shanghai Expo website, en.expo2010.cn/expotickets/indexn.htm.
What are the opening and closing hours?
The Expo will be open from 9am to midnight every day. National pavilions at the Expo will be open from 9.30am to 10.30pm.
How much space does the Expo cover?
The Expo covers 5.28 km² which is roughly equivalent to an area twice the size of the City of London.
Where can I find information on transport links to get around Shanghai?
Shanghai transport information, covering links to and from the Expo, can be found on the Shanghai Daily website.
What is the Urban Best Practice Area?
The Urban Best Practice Area (UBPA) is a section of Expo, which has been created to complement the country and corporate pavilions.
Cities based here are presenting themselves independently, demonstrating the methods to improve urban life, and sharing experiences and ideas on improving urban development.
Where can I find more information on the Expo?
More information is available at the official Shanghai Expo websites, en.expo2010.cn and en.expo.cn.