Australia advanced in preparation for exhibition in Shanghai World Expo

Overall, the organizer hopes to draw 70 million visitors to the Shanghai World Expo, which will be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010.

The Expo site, with its planned area of 5.28 square kilometers, is mostly located between the Nanpu and Lupu Bridges in downtown Shanghai. Right through the whole history of World Expo, it is the biggest event ever.

The site of Expo Shanghai includes a 3.28-square-kilometer centerpiece that is restricted to ticket holders. The total investment for construction projects in the entire site will reach18 billion yuan (2.63 billion U.S. dollars).

So far, 231 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in Expo 2010, with its theme "Better City, Better Life".

Over 40 participating countries have confirmed their intention to build their own national pavilions.

During the 184-day Expo Shanghai, over 100 cultural performances and activities will be held on the site every day. The total number of such events will exceed 2,000. It is expected that the Expo will offer a cultural cavalcade for people from all around the world.

(by Mimi Chau )

Editor:Zhang Ning