Since the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, World’s Fairs have served as venues to exhibit advances in industrialization and to promote cultural exchange. Today, they are more commonly referred to as World Expos, and have become an avenue for countries to boost national branding with elaborate country pavilions. 

Beginning on May 1, 2010, Shanghai will host Expo 2010. Over 200 countries and international organizations are expected to participate, with pavilions located on each side of the Huangpu River encompassing a total land area of 5.28 square kilometers. The event is expected to attract 70 million visitors – the most in world expo history – before its conclusion at the end of October. 

The theme of Expo 2010 is “Better City, Better Life,” and represents a common goal to raise the standard of living in urban environments by increasing dialogue that can aid the advancement of sustainable development policies and strategies. 

Through both educational and entertainment platforms, expo visitors will experience “Better City, Better Life” through five urban-focused sub-themes that will be represented throughout the expo: the blending of diverse cultures, economic prosperity, science and technology innovations, remodeling of communities, and interaction with rural areas.

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