Bollywood grandeur to hit Shanghai

Bollywood is set to showcase the grandeur and extravagance of Bollywood dance and music on July 17 at the Expo Culture Center.

The extravaganza will be wrapped in 90 minutes of dizzy color, high-octane sets, and fabulous sights and sounds of Bollywood in a medley of songs. Performers will wear 200 costumes and 1,000 pieces of jewelry.

The production will blend modern dance, traditional country and festival dance, as well as wedding performances, the highlight of Bollywood movie. It is directed by Shubhra Bhardwaj who specializes in conceptualizing and crafting shows.

Comedy Games to create fun at site

British and Chinese premier young performers will present a 45-minute British slapstick comedy "GB vs China - The Comedy Games" to Expo 2010 visitors in July.

With due deference to Mr Bean, Charlie Chaplin, Monty Python and Benny Hill, the devised show will be presented by 16 actors from London's Central St. Martins College and the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art. It was the result of collaboration between performers of the two countries.

The comedy will be shown twice at the UK Pavilion every day and at Europe Square every evening from July 1 to 16.

Comments have included "It's really stupid" and 'What's so funny about hitting someone with a fish?" "Unmissable," said both Conservative and Labour politicians in a desperate attempt to secure last-minute youth votes.

It is part of a collaborative project in Employability & Entrepreneurship that helps UK and Chinese businesses thrive through the use of theatre skills while boosting employment for theatre-makers.

Denmark celebrates Pavilion Day

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik addresses the ceremony.

 

　　Yin Yicui, deputy secretary of the Shanghai Committee of the Communist Party of China, addresses the ceremony.

Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir performs at the ceremony.

　　Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Yin Yicui, deputy secretary of the Shanghai Committee of the Communist Party of China, visit the China Pavilion.

　　Officials pose in front of the Little Mermaid statue.

Denmark celebrates its National Pavilion Day today with music, song and dance. Both Chinese and Danish artists will perform.

Denmark and China have witnessed long-term friendship and Danish government and enterprises have all taken an active part in the 2010 World Expo to make it the most ambitious participation in the country's history, Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik said at this morning's ceremony in the Expo Center.

He hoped visitors would appreciate the country's dreamlike scenery and the harmonious co-existence between its people and nature, particularly its practice in green transportation, energy-saving and emission cuts via the pavilion's showcase.

The Little Mermaid's first journey outside of the country signals the hope of furthering the friendly exchange and communication between Denmark and China, he said.

Yin Yicui, deputy secretary of the Shanghai Committee of the Communist Party of China, said although China and Denmark are far apart, the showcase of the Denmark Pavilion and the celebration of its Pavilion Day provide a chance for visitors to learn more about Danish people, their culture and lifestyle as well as the country's experience in balancing the development of city and nature.

With a theme of "Welfairytales" - combining welfare and fairy tales - stories about modern Denmark feature efforts to create sustainable urban development and welfare solutions.

Zone C showcases a fairytale world with the Little Mermaid, the country's symbolic statue, making its first visit to Shanghai.

Created in 1913 to honor the character created by Hans Christian Andersen, the bronze Little Mermaid usually sits on a stone at the edge of Copenhagen's harbor.

The pavilion is arranged like a fairytale in three chapters: the story of Denmark's cities, the story of its people and the story of Danish technology and solutions for future urban living.

There's a play area for children and the family can enjoy a picnic on the rooftop garden.

Keen crowds defy rain

Frequent showers failed to deter visitors to the Expo site yesterday but umbrellas and flip-flops sold like hot cakes.

More than 450,000 visitors braved the rain to enter the site in numbers similar to sunny days as many people sought to use before they expired the Expo gift pack June tickets distributed by Shanghai government.

Visitors had to walk on tiptoe through pools of water formed at the No. 2 Gate at Xizang Road S. because of a torrential shower at around 9am. Other small pools also formed on roads throughout the site.

Xi Qunfeng, director of the Construction Department of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said the water would drain quickly through the sandy ground.

Visitors are able to receive updated information about the weather by mobile phone messages, site broadcasts and on public screens on site, said Zhang Qing, deputy director of Expo Operation Headquarters.

Site broadcasts yesterday cautioned visitors not to stay on pavilion rooftops during thunderstorms and to keep their distance from tall, tower-shaped buildings, such as the landmarks of various public squares. They also asked visitors to avoid using benches during sudden thunderstorms.

An Expo Licensed Products Office, official said it had asked manufacturers to start making raincoats. He said the office had initially thought such items would not be popular, but now found many visitors wearing disposable raincoats they brought from home.

Flip-flops became the most popular products as many visitors' shoes became soaked after the shower. Some visitors to the Oil Pavilion in the Puxi Expo site carried their wet shoes and walked barefoot in the pavilion.

A souvenir store on Expo Boulevard sold more than 100 pairs of flip-flops before noon yesterday, 25 percent more than sunny days.

The flip-flops were always popular, even in sunny days and especially with ladies wearing high-heel shoes, said store director Zhang Wenqing.

Umbrella sales increased slightly as most local visitors prepared for the weather by bringing one from home, said Gao Wenmao, assistant manager of the flagship souvenir store in Pudong Expo site.

Umbrellas were popular among those who came from outside Shanghai, he added.

Spicy invitation

Visitors learn to cook kimchi.

Visitors learn to cook kimchi.

A chef teaches how to cook kimchi.

Visitors purchase ROK food.

Visitors experience interactive exhibit "Table of Love."

The Republic of Korea Pavilion at the World Expo yesterday invited about 60 visitors to cook kimchi, a spicy concoction of vegetables that usually includes cabbage.

Visitors learned to cook several Korean dishes including pickled radish and soya bean soup, among others. They took the dishes home.

Invitations will also be given out tomorrow.

Cultural feast celebrates Aragon Week

It's showtime for Aragon at the 2010 World Expo.

Aragon Week, which opened at the Spain Pavilion yesterday, is turning the pavilion into a stage for dance and music.

During Aragon's week at the pavilion, visitors will be able to enjoy the show "Aragon's Fantasia." Musicians and dancers will perform a 35-minute modern version of the "jota," a typical dance of the region, through the week.

The choir "B Vocal" comprising five musicians yesterday also performed at the pavilion. They recreated the soundscape of instruments such as drums, guitars, and bass with their voices.

The documentary "Water's Dream" was also screened yesterday at the pavilion. It discussed problems regarding waste of water based on the stories of five different kids from five different regions in the world.

Aragon is a region in northern Spain, home to many rivers. Its well-developed irrigation system around Ebro River is the key for its productive agriculture. Aragon, and in particular its capital, Zaragoza, is known for hosting an Expo in 2008 with the theme of "Water and Sustainable Development."

Russian Pavilion welcomes 2 millionth visitor

A visitor surnamed Xu from Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, received a gift set from staff of the Russia Pavilion as the 2 millionth visitor to the pavilion yesterday afternoon.

Xu's gifts included souvenirs on sale at the pavilion. It was his first visit to the Expo site.

Xu queued for more than one hour outside the Russia Pavilion after touring the Mexico Pavilion and Canada Pavilion.

Canadian flavor to sweep site

Canada yesterday announced the program of its celebration for the Canada Pavilion Day on July 1, featuring a full week of performances and activities including a 10-minute show from Cirque du Soleil, a famous Canadian troupe and one of the country's most famous cultural exports.

Cirque du Soleil's Tokyo-based show ZED will be presented at the Expo Center on July 1, together with performances by the Acadian group Grand Derangement, Alberta's pop and R&B singer Kreesha Turner, British Columbia's ambient rockers Jets Overhead and the British Columbia Aboriginal Dance troupe Dancers of Damelahamid. Cirque du Soleil made its debut on the Chinese mainland in 2008.

Alberta's pop and R&B singer Kreesha Turner staged a concert at America Square yesterday night as part of the program.

July 1 is Canada Day and this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Canada. Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean will join in the celebration at the Expo site on July 1, Mark Rowswell, Canada's commissioner general for Expo 2010, revealed yesterday.

The pavilion receives more than 30,000 visitors daily, with a peak of 37,000 people, he said.

The commemorative Expo cards showing Canada's commissioner general posing in front of the Canada Pavilion will be distributed to visitors on the day. Rowswell, better known under his stage name Da Shan in China, is the "most famous foreigner in China" for his role performing xiangsheng (a popular form of comic dialogue).

Visitor number exceeds 480,000 on 58th day

A total of 481,600 visitors packed the Expo site yesterday, bringing the total number to 19.78 million. The figure is estimated to surpass 20 million this morning.

Among yesterday's visitors, 141,200 were on tour groups and 138,900 visitors used free tickets Shanghai government distributed to local residents.

A total of 34,983 tickets were sold on site, with 12,057 night admissions.

Houtan Gate received about 86,000 visitors, Changqing Road 81,000, and Shangnan Road, Gaoke Road W. about 138,000 in total.

By 5pm, 74 shows were staged, attracting 45,700 spectators. A total of 6,436 volunteers served on the site.

The site is estimated to receive more than 180,000 group visitors today. Individual tourists are advised to enter from less crowded gates at Shangnan Road, Bansongyuan Road or Madang Road during 9am to 11am rush hours.

From today, Expo 2010 official publications, such as the official guidebook, are also available on newsstands at main entrances such as the Bailianjing gate, Luban Road gate and Bansongyuan Road gate. Expo passports will be supplied soon at these spots.

Visitors can also purchase Expo Shanghai publications at the Xinhua bookstore on B2 floor of the Expo Boulevard.

Visitor number hits 20m

The total attendance of Expo 2010 has exceeded 20 million with more than 200,000 visitors flooding to the Expo site this morning despite rain.

The new high was hit at 10:13am.

Visitor flow hit 10 million within only 36 days since the opening of Expo 2010 on May 1, and the total number surged to 20 million just 23 days later.

A total of 481,600 visitors packed the Expo site yesterday, while the figure on Saturday was 552,100.

Fujian offers arts extravaganza

Southern China's Fujian province today began its week-long culture show at the Baosteel Stage in Zone B of Expo's Pudong site by displaying its folk arts, including cart drum parade, puppet show, and Nanyin music, a traditional opera sung in the Minnan (south Fujian) dialect.

On the list are Putian cart drum parade, Fujian hotpot folk dance, Fuzhou Folk Dance with 12 brides, Fujian Minnan "chest batting dance," and a large-scale song and dance performance "Met at the Western Coast of the Taiwan Straits." There will also be a male and female vocal duet "Mountain and River Affection," a song from the Puxian Opera called "Spring Grass," Hakka folk songs, and acrobatics.

About 150 professional performers from the Fujian Provincial Song and Dance Theater, Fujian Province Acrobatic Troupe and others will take part.

The puppets include marionettes, palm puppets and writing puppets.

The pavilion had received more than 920,000 visitors by yesterday. Its theme is "Charming Fujian Province on the West Bank of the Strait."

Canadian band rocks square

Grand Derangement, a Canadian band, performs at the America Square.

Grand Derangement, a Canadian band, performs at the America Square.

Grand Derangement, a Canadian band, performs at the America Square.

Grand Derangement, a Canadian band, performs at the America Square.

Grand Derangement, a Canadian band, yesterday kicked off the six-day celebration of Canada Pavilion Day with their performance at the America Square.

The concert was opened by tap dance and rock music.

Grand Derangement will also perform tonight from 7:30pm to 8:15pm, and 8:45pm to 9:30pm at the same venue.

Grand Derangement comes from Sainte-Marie, an Acadian region in southwest Nova Scotia. Formed in 1998, the group of four musicians and one dancer takes an eclectic musical approach, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including French songs, Celtic music, rock, folk and Broadway musicals.

Over their 11-year career, Grand Derangement have staged 750 concerts, released five albums and won two East Coast Music Awards.

Canada Pavilion Day will fall on July 1.

Serbia celebrates National Pavilion Day

Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic delivers a speech.

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng delivers a speech.

Accompanied by China's vice Commissioner general to Expo 2010 Zhou Xiaopei, Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic visits China Pavilion.

Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, China's vice Commissioner general and other guests visit the Serbia Pavilion.

The band Balkanopolis performs.

Serbia Star performs.

Serbia Pavilion celebrated its National Pavilion Day this morning at Expo Center which was attended by Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic.

Serbian Minister of Commerce and Services Slobodan Milosavljevic, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng, China's vice Commissioner general to Expo 2010 Zhou Xiaopei, and Shanghai Vice Mayor Tang Dengjie attended the ceremony.

Cvetkovic thanked all guests attending Serbia National Pavilion Day as well as Shanghai Municipal Government and Chinese Government for their help to Serbia's participation in Expo 2010.

Expo 2010's participants' number and visitors' number has or will exceed previous Expos, and he believed that countries will promote friendship and offer signals of cooperation at Expo 2010, he said.

He also hoped that Expo 2010 will be a medium of cooperation and friendship as well as he looked forward to offering positive effects.

On behalf of Chinese Government and Expo 2010 Organizing Committee, Han congratulated Serbia on its Pavilion Day.

He also welcomed the Serbian Prime Minister and said that in the Serbia Pavilion, visitors could use a "time machine" to enjoy Serbia's natural scenery as well as its modern urban areas and people's pursuit of a better life.

The pavilion's theme is "City Code" and the exterior design of the pavilion is based on traditional Serbian carpet weaving, a process that symbolizes the unification and harmonizing of ancient and modern. The pavilion adopts the element of "time" to connect not only many interesting exhibits but also past, present and future. There's a "time machine" which can give people the sensation of traveling across time.

Madrid first UBPA case to reach 1 million

Madrid Pavilion became the first Urban Best Practices Area attraction to welcome its 1 millionth visitor yesterday, surprising its officials.

Wang Yiran, 24, a local fashion designer, was the 1 millionth visitor and she was given a gift package - Real Madrid and Atlectico de Madrid soccer jerseys, a designer bag and four meal coupons for the pavilion's restaurant.

"My experience at the Madrid Pavilion has made me remember our precious trip to Madrid," said Wang, who had visited the Spanish capital with her family about one year ago.

The attendance turnaround is quite remarkable as only about 2,600 to 2,700 people a day were visiting the pavilion during the first week of the Expo, according to Ignacio Nino, director of the pavilion. But the pavilion and others at the UBPA became popular after policies were introduced to balance visitor flow between the two banks of the Huangpu River.

The Madrid Pavilion now receives 15,000 people on average every day, far beyond the pavilion's expectations.

The Madrid Pavilion includes the House of Bamboo and the Air Tree.

Apulia region shapes Italy's brilliant future

An exhibition entitled "Apulia: Italian Excellence Designing the Future" opened at the Italy Pavilion yesterday, showcasing Apulia region's valuable experience in creating a sustainable and pleasant city environment and harmonious urban society.

The exhibit will be on display in the pavilion until July 7.

Meanwhile, the Italian Film Festival "Apulia, Scenes to Explore" also kicked off yesterday. A series of films will be screened at the pavilion every day until July 4. The festival features a panorama of the best movies shot in Apulia, offering visitors vivid images that capture the beauty, wildness and romance of a multi-faceted landscape.

One of Italy's most outstanding and promising film directors, Pippo Mezzapesa, attended the opening ceremony. Other attendees included Mario Desiati, chief editor of Fandango, the largest independent Italian production company, and Donatella Botti, producer of the festival's opening movie "L'uomo Nero."

Apulia is a beautiful area in the southeast of Italy, also known as the "Heel of Italy." With its advanced industrial R&D capability, Apulia has become the main region for the production of renewable energy in Italy.

Cambodia celebrates Pavilion Day

Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh delivers a speech.

China's Assistant Minister of Commerce Wang Chao delivers a speech.

Cambodian performers stage dancers.

Cambodian performers stage dancers.

Accompanied by Wang, Cham Prasidh and his spouse watch the animated version of the painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" at China Pavilion.

Accompanied by Cham Prasidh, Wang visits the Cambodia Pavilion.

The Cambodia Pavilion featuring the theme "Cultural Life in the City" today celebrates its National Pavilion Day.

The pavilion's showcase is in accordance with one of the sub-themes of Expo 2010 "Blending of diverse cultures in the city" and is an epitome of Cambodia in different periods, Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh said at this morning's ceremony in the Expo Center.

Visitors to the pavilion will learn about the country's cultural and historical heritage and splendid civilization, he said.

Wang Chao, assistant commerce minister, said strolling around the Cambodia Pavilion is like touring the Angkor Wat temples. At the pavilion, visitors will touch upon the pulse of the country's progress, share its people's joy in their lives and experience their unique understanding and interpretation of "Cultural Life in the City," he said.

The pavilion embodies Cambodia's emphasis on cultural heritage protection and it features three major historical periods: Angkor, Odong and Phnom Penh. They cover Cambodia from ancient times through today.

Exhibitions include archeology, art and culture and feature beautiful landscapes and city living. Natural resources and tourism are also featured.

Exhibits show traditional techniques for building royal monasteries, temples, roads, bridges, reservoirs and hospitals by ancient Cambodians in the Angkor Period.

Norwegian Pavilion greets millionth visitor

Norwegian Pavilion's millionth visitor pose with performers of the pavilion.

The Norwegian Pavilion welcomed its millionth visitor on Friday, 48-year-old air-conditioning technician Zhu Xingwei from Changzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Zhu first thought he had done something wrong because he was pulled aside by State Secretary Halvard Ingebrigtsen from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, commissioner general Arild Blixrud and pavilion director Espen Guterud. Until he was congratulated, he realized he was the luckiest visitor to the pavilion so far.

"We chose the Norwegian pavilion because we liked how it looked from the outside, but we had never thought we would get to experience anything like this," said Zhu.

He was given a certificate, the collected works of Norwegian author Knut Hamsun in Chinese, and a four-course dinner for two at the pavilion's seafood restaurant, among other things.

With a daily average of 20,000 visitors, the Norwegian pavilion is now on track to exceeding the initial estimate of three million visitors for the duration of the Expo by a half million.

Brunei Pavilion launches tourism week

The Brunei Darussalam Pavilion will stage dances with strong Southeast Asian flavor to celebrate its tourism week launched today.

Two shows will be presented daily from 10:30am to 11:30am, and 4pm to 5pm until July 2.

The oil-rich country is located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia.

With century-old brass work, silverware and wood works, the pavilion -- with its "Now for the Future" theme -- reflects Brunei Darussalam's commitment to meeting not only the immediate needs of its people, but the long-term aspirations of its youth for future generations.

It showcases its National Vision 2035, a long-term development blueprint to make the country widely recognized for an educated, highly skilled and accomplished people with a quality of life and a dynamic and sustainable economy.

Visitors can enjoy genuine food from Brunei such as the hot and spicy Nasi Katok.

Chance to win signed ball of Liverpool FC

To kick off the Liverpool Pavilion's July "Culture, Health and Sports" month, visitors who wear the football jersey of either of Liverpool's two famous Premier League Clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC, on July 1 will have the chance to win a Liverpool FC ball signed by all of this season's Liverpool FC stars including the current Liverpool and England Captain Steven Gerrard.

They will be able to enter the pavilion directly without queuing and win the ball via a lucky draw after providing some basic information to pavilion staff.

All visitors wishing to enter the draw must have provided their details to the Liverpool Pavilion staff by 4pm as the winner will be announced at 5pm.

Turkish delight

A visitor from Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, won a free tour to Turkey as the 8,888th visitor to the Turkey Pavilion today.

On the 8th, 18th and 28th day of every month, the 8,888th guest to the pavilion will win two free tickets sponsored by Turkish Airlines and an eight-day free tour sponsored by Aristo Tours from October 18 to 25.

The pavilion has averaged more than 35,000 visitors per day. It is estimated that about 7 million people will visit the pavilion before the Expo ends.

City of islands display showcases Zhoushan

Visitors can get a taste of the only city of islands in China in the case exhibition hall of the Pavilion of the Future, officials said as the Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, exhibition opened yesterday.

The Zhoushan theme case is about sea and city, said Mayor Zhou Guohui, and it's on show today and tomorrow.

Visitors can study the development of the islands, including deep-water ports, beaches and bridges, through a 10-minute movie. The exhibition is on the pavilion's third floor.

Zhou said life around the sea was always a classic topic at World Expos, having been highlighted at the 1975 Okinawa Expo and the 1998 Lisbon event. It will also feature in the 2012 Expo in Yeosu, South Korea.

Zhoushan is China's largest fishing port with an annual output of about 1.2 million tons of seafood and its Mount Putuo is one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains.

Meanwhile, an asteroid discovered by China's astronomical authority was officially named as "Zhoushan" yesterday to promote the city. The asteroid was discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, in 1981.

Nobel Laureate talks at Aussie Pavilion

Nobel Laureate Barry Marshall talked about his way to Noble Prize yesterday during a conference at Australia Pavilion.

Marshall proved the bacteria Helicobacter pylori to be the cause of most Peptic Ulcer and received Nobel Prize in 2005.

He and his colleague Robin Warren made the discovery that inflammation in the stomach (gastritis) as well as ulceration of the stomach or duodenum (peptic ulcer disease) is the result of an infection of the stomach caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, he said.

Among doubts and criticism, Marshall drank a Petri dish of H. pylori, developed gastritis, and the bacteria were recovered from his stomach lining, thereby satisfying three out of the four Koch's postulates.

The postulates, proposed by Robert Koch in 1890, are criteria designed to establish a causal relationship between a causative microbe and a disease.

Marshall's discovery reversed the traditional concept that peptic ulcer was caused by stress and too much acid.

When asked whether he felt it was too late to receive the prize after 23 years, Marshall said that Koch isolated the Tuberculosis bacillus in 1882 and was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1905.

Marshall's 23 years cycle was just 100 years later than Koch's 23-year-cycle so his Nobel prize was just perfect, Marshall added.

The conference focused on exchanges of China and Australia's biotech achievements.

Australia is famous for many biotech contributions to the world such as penicillin, implants of artificial cochlea, synthesis of omega-3 fatty acids as well as researching and developing world's first vaccine of cervical cancer.

Cooperation of biotech between the two countries has seen surges and now two sides are trying to forge innovative and highly efficient cooperative ties, commissioner general for Australia Lyndall Sachs said.

Oman Pavilion receives millionth visitor

Oman's vice commissioner general to Expo 2010 and the pavilion's director give a wooden model of traditional Omani sailing ship to the lucky visitor.

Oman Pavilion received its millionth visitor at 5pm yesterday and the lucky visitor was given a wooden model of traditional Omani sailing ship as a souvenir.

Chang Dewei, a Xuzhou native from Shanghai's neighboring Jiangsu Province, was on his first visit to the Expo. He said that he felt excited and honored as well as surprised being the millionth visitor to Oman Pavilion.

The Oman Pavilion offered VIP reception to Chang and his companion while the pavilion director's assistant accompanied them touring the pavilion exhibits such as the country's environment, culture heritage as well as its sustainable economic development.

Located at Zone A, the pavilion integrates Arabic feature and modern style. The exhibits inside feature a ancient city, a city inside deserts, a city in the mountain area, a port city, as well as its capital Muscat and the Blue City which will be completed by 2020. They are designed to help interpret Omani people's unique concept of sustainable urban development.

Visitor number reaches a new high

A total of 552,100 visitors packed the Expo site as of 8:00pm yesterday, breaking the record of 552,000 visitors on June 15. The total visitors' number since the Expo 2010 opening day jumped to 19.3 million. And the figure is expected to top 20 million by tomorrow.

Of the visitors yesterday, about 165,300 were on tour groups, and around 147,000 visitors used free tickets Shanghai government distributed to local residents.

A total of 47,622 tickets were sold on site by 8:30pm, with 18,563 night admissions.

It was expected that up to 156,400 group visitors will visit the Expo site today.

Yesterday, Houtan Gate received about 94,000 visitors, Shangnan Road 92,000, and Changqing Road, Gaoke Road W. more than 158,000 in total.

Expo organizers said that the morning peak at Expo site gate lasts from 9am to 11am and individual visitors were advised to take gates such as Shangnan Road Gate, Madang Road Gate and Bansongyuan Road Gate, which may take less time for waiting.

By 5pm, 71 shows were staged, attracting 107,200 spectators. A total of 8,158 volunteers served on the site.

Public transport inside Expo site transported 825,000 people by 6pm.

Five medical service stations inside the Expo site received 426 visits by 4pm yesterday.

Bracing for the heat wave in coming months, Expo organizers have doubled the supply of soft drinks especially mineral water.

New Expo passports on sale

The new version of the Expo passport went on sale at Expo franchise stores in the Expo site yesterday, the organizers announced.

The new Expo passports still have two editions - a cartoon edition and a standard edition in three colors. Producers of Expo passports were increased from one to five to ensure an adequate supply.

A temporary outlet selling souvenirs for 2010 FIFA World Cup on floor B2 at the north end of the Expo Boulevard also drew large crowds. Limited edition of football badges and pins, for instance, are popular among fans.

Meanwhile, drizzly weather made the Expo site cooler, attracting more than 440,000 visitors yesterday.

Among yesterday's visitors, 168,000 were on tour groups.

A total of 38,568 tickets were sold on site, with 15,310 night admissions.

Houtan Gate received about 79,000 visitors, Changqing Road 68,000, and Shangnan Road, Gaoke Road W. about 126,000 in total.

By 5pm, 72 shows were staged, attracting about 45,000 spectators. A total of 6,272 volunteers served on the site.

The site is estimated to receive about 180,000 group visitors today. Individual tourists are advised to enter from less crowded gates at Shangnan Rd, Bansongyuan Rd or Madang Rd during 9am to 11am rush hours. Expo visitors are also advised to take umbrellas around during plum rain season in Shanghai.

Mozambique celebrates Pavilion Day

Mozambique in the Africa Joint Pavilion celebrates its National Pavilion Day today with performances from its traditional troupe.

With a "Better District, Better Life" theme, Mozambique hopes to showcase the country's achievements in areas such as education, hygiene, science and technology, economy, environmental protection and planning and share experience with other countries in promoting urbanization, economic development and improving people's livelihoods, Armando Artur, Minister of Culture, said at this morning's ceremony in the Expo Center.

The Expo 2010 would promote world peace and development, respect and help countries learn from each other in urban construction and development.

Ou'yang Jian, China's vice minister of Culture, congratulated Mozambique on the 35-year anniversary of its independence and the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Mozambique.

He said the country's exhibition not only displays its achievement in urban construction, but also its focus on regional development and planning and sustainable development.

The Mozambique Pavilion emphasizes regional development to achieve goals and sustainable development and showcases progress in its cities.

The pavilion's four areas are linked by the "Zambezi River." There are a school, a traditional cottage, a hospital and a modern apartment building.

The school represents education and culture, the hospital shows science and technology and the cottage of traditional materials features tourism and hotels.

The residence is the welcome and information area and features projects on public engineering, urbanization, road construction and beach erosion.

There are also two major projects for exhibitions highlighting a bridge and a dam.

Environmental change on forum agenda

The fourth theme forum of Expo Shanghai focusing on "Environmental Change and City Responsibility" will be held in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, on July 3 and 4.

The forum aims to explore how to combat environmental change through division of work and collaboration among city governments, corporations and citizens. It would last one day and a half, involving an opening ceremony, six parallel forums and a closing ceremony, Xu Wei, spokesman of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, told yesterday's press conference.

About 60 speakers will share their visions. They include minister-level officials, well-known environmental experts, mayors, representatives from international organizations and entrepreneurs from more than 10 countries and regions.

At the opening ceremony, speakers will deliver keynote speeches on "environmental protection and urban prospect," "facing climate change and promoting harmonious city development scientifically," "global resource environment and development in China: the contributions and responsibilities," "towards a green and sustainable urban future" and "assessment of global climate change: science, adaptation and mitigation."

The list of speakers includes officials from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, China Meteorological Administration, China National Energy Administration, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner and Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

A number of experts will attend parallel forums on "low-carbon development and climate change," "industrial development and green innovation: production and energy," "public participation in building green cities," "urban environment management and clean energy development," "industrial development and green innovation: sustainable architecture" and "sustainable way of production and living."

In conclusion of the forum, the former president of Chinese Academy of Engineering Xu Kuangdi will deliver a keynote speech on low-carbon and the global technology revolution. Yang Xiong, executive vice mayor of Shanghai and executive deputy director of the Expo 2010 Executive Committee, will make concluding remarks.

The Nanjing government has endeavored to build the city into an international green city with policy support as well as science and technology, Mou Xiaoyu, deputy secretary general of the Nanjing Government, said at the conference.

Six Expo theme forums are scheduled in all. The other theme forums will start successively in Shaoxing and Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province. The theme will be "Economic Transformations and Urban-Rural Relations" for Shaoxing and "Harmonious City and Livable Life" for Hangzhou.

Sweden Pavilion spruced up with sea of flowers

Visitors to the Sweden Pavilion will be surrounded by an ocean of flowers because florists are decorating the pavilion in celebration of midsummer today, one of Swedes' most beloved cultural festivals.

Gunnar Kaj, Sweden's most famous floral designer and florist Elaine Jansson, are turning the pavilion into a garden with garlands and daisy chains. They will make a maypole with flower, leaf and garlands, a symbol of midsummer festival. Some visitors to the pavilion will be invited to join in the decoration.

According to old sayings, nature was full of supernatural powers during midsummer, said Gunnar Kaj. "To collect all this powerful magic in a daisy chain was thought to give strength and luck for the future. That is a tradition we want to bring to Shanghai."

A raft of programs is on the pavilion's menu, including the SymbioCity Forum in July, the family musical "Pippi Longstocking" in August and forums in August and October. Swedish Crown Princess Victoria is expected to visit the pavilion in October.

Exhibition traces Chinese migration to Peru

An exhibition entitled "160 Years of Chinese Immigration to Peru" opened at the Peru Pavilion yesterday night.

The exhibit comprises photographs and historical documents that narrate the settlers' voyage and the linking of Peruvian and Chinese people.

The last part of the showcase displays how Chinese contribute to the development of Peruvian cuisine and make it diverse.

Chinese started moving to Peru in the mid 19th century. In 1874, a series of agreements in business and trade were signed between the two countries, heralding the start of their cooperation and exchange, said Harold Forsyth, ambassador of Peru to China.

Over the past 100-plus years, the friendship between the two peoples is deepened, the ambassador said. He noted that the pavilion hopes to promote its traditional culture and further friendship with Chinese people via the Expo.

Norway Pavilion unveils painting of northern light

A painting featuring dreamlike northern lights in Tromso was unveiled in the Norway Pavilion this afternoon.

The painting "Trace of Aurora" was created by Chinese artist Sun Yao, who made a trip to Tromso in northern part of Norway in December 2009.

Sun said he was fascinated by the diverse color of the light and hoped to call on people's awareness in protecting the nature via his painting.

Replica of Spanish ship arrives in Shanghai

A replica of the 17th-century Spanish galleon, known as "Andalucia," docks at the North Bund yesterday.

A replica of the 17th-century Spanish galleon, known as "Andalucia," docks at the North Bund yesterday.

cute mascot

sailors of the ship

A replica of the 17th-century Spanish galleon, known as "Andalucia," docked at the North Bund yesterday after a 10,500-nautical-mile voyage from Seville, Spain.

The 52-meter-long and 10.1-meter-wide ship is a replica of Spanish galleons, which are large, multi-decked sailing ships used to transport silk, porcelain and spices between Asia, America, Europe and Oceania since the 17th century.

The ship embarked on the journey on March 21 from Seville, anchoring at Malta, Israel, Egypt, Sudan, Sri Lanka and Singapore. It attracted 96,000 visitors on board. The aim is to promote Spanish culture, tourism, business and delicacies.

It is regarded as an ambassador of friendship of Andalucia, an autonomous community of Spain.

The ship will leave Shanghai in September.

Jazz flavor at Japanese Industry Pavilion

Julee Karan and her band perform at the JAL stage of the Japanese Industry Pavilion.

Julee Karan and her band perform at the JAL stage of the Japanese Industry Pavilion.

Julee Karan, a Japanese jazz singer, performed at the JAL stage of the Japanese Industry Pavilion yesterday afternoon.

Her performance included "I will always love you" and "Star," her most famous songs.

She will stage three concerts on the stage.

56th day records nearly a half million attendance

The Expo site attracted 480,900 visitors yesterday despite drizzles.

Among yesterday's visitors, 167,100 were on tour groups and 104,300 visitors used free tickets Shanghai government distributed to local residents.

A total of 37,201 tickets were sold on site, with 13,186 night admissions.

By 5pm, 54 out of the 136 shows on schedule were staged, attracting 19,600 spectators. A total of 6,272 volunteers served on the site.

Altogether 256 people were treated at the five medical service stations in the Expo site by 4pm, including 38 suffering injuries.

Expo dining and shopping guide maps are availed at information centers since yesterday.

More visitors are expected today. Individual tourists are advised to enter the site off the peak hours from 9am to 11am.

Only gates at Puxi's Madang Road and Xizang Road S. are now exclusive to individual visitors, as starting yesterday, the gates at Shangnan Road and Gaoxiong Road S. joined the other gates to open to group visitors.

Jackson fans commemorate the King in Expo park

Fans are taking photos with Michael Jackson's wax figure

Michael Jackson fans set up floral tributes at the Expo park yesterday to mark the death one year ago of the controversial pop star.

A wax figure of Jackson from Madame Tussauds Shanghai was set up at the Expo UN Devnet Pavilion as well as an exhibition of photos, albums and memorabilia.

The wax figure, under a giant poster of "This Is It," stood in the center of a stage, wearing a red woolen coat. It attracted many Jackson fan visitors to the Expo yesterday to take pictures with.

The figure will be on show at the pavilion till next Tuesday.

Seminar to address Porto Alegre's bid for better urban life

A seminar was held yesterday at the Pavilion of Future on the Expo site to review the Brazilian city Porto Alegre's ambition of creating a better urban life for residents via good urban transport management and green information technologies.

Porto Alegre, a port in southern Brazil with a population of 1.43 million, has an Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA) project at the ongoing World Expo Shanghai 2010, illustrating this ambition themed "Local Solidarity Governance Implementation in Porto Alegre, Brazil: Strategies for Social Inclusion Promotion."

The project features the Brazilian city's participatory budget program - a social reform effort to pursue the real needs of the urban society.

At yesterday's seminar, Porto Alegre gave its solutions to a better urban life - good public transport services and green technologies.

For example, the city set up unified charging standards to avail fairer and cheaper public transport services to the residents.

And to reduce the pollution and waste, side effects of the technology development, it launched the PROCEMPA project to promote environmentally-friendly information technologies.

Marcos Eduardo dos Santos, financial managing director of Companhia Carris Porto-Alegrense (CARRIS), and Andre Imar Kullzynski, president of PROCEMPA, joined yesterday's seminar.

Elite singers perform for children

A collection of classic Chinese songs will take the spotlight on the stage at the Expo Culture Center tomorrow night, opening the concert series "the City the Love."

Senior artists including Li Guyi, Li Guangxi, Dedema, Geng Fenglian and Xiao Xiangyu and as well as young singers such as Tan Jing, Shang Wenjie, He Jie and family group the Lucky Four will bring classical songs for children including "Drinking Song" and "Beautiful Grassland My Home."

They will bring the audience back to the old days and let youngsters get closer to the classic moments.

The concert is also a part of the "Stars Bring You to Expo" event when the artists will take children from poor rural areas to the Expo site and have a tour together. The children will be the special guests to tomorrow's concert.

Somalia Pavilion Day brings unlimited potential

The Somali Pavilion held its National Day today at Expo center with congratulations from senior officials from both Somali and China.

Abdullahi Yusuf Mohammad, Somalian Minister of Petroleum, and Jiang Zhengyun, China's deputy commissioner general for World Expo, delivered speeches at the ceremony.

Abdullahi Yusuf Mohammad said the rapid development of urbanization also brought about negative problems. So it is a meaningful and attractive idea to make city as the theme of World Expo Shanghai where people can share their city experiences and talk about the world's future.

Jiang congratulated Somalia for the National Day and expressed gratitude for the country's support to Expo Shanghai.

He believed, Somalia - the first east African country to establish diplomatic relations with China 50 years ago - would again bring its special beauty here.

Themed "Boosaaso: A City with Unlimited Potential," the Somalia Pavilion showcases this northeastern city bordering the Indian Ocean. It is an example of the importance of geography and culture in Somali cities and shows the impact of various cultures -- African, Middle Eastern, Indian, European.

The round pavilion, both modern and mysterious in sea blue and desert white, features civilization, geography, political views, religion, ties with other countries and sustainable development.

Visitors walk clockwise around the pavilion, starting from a "desert" dotted with camel models.

Italian wedding gowns on Expo catwalk

EXPO visitors to the Italy National Pavilion were dazzled by a fashion show last night featuring a collection of more than 40 Italian designed and made wedding and evening gowns.

The gowns were all hand-made and designed by renowned Italy fashion firms Azzurra Collezione, Bellantuono, Giovanna Sbiroli, Rossorame, Ninfe Collezioni Sposa, Anna Primiceri Spose and Gianni Calignano.

They were made of silk and with lace and bow knot decorations.

Rossorame's designer Bruno Simeone said he had worked in China for three years. That had inspired him to introduce Eastern female grace to the new designs, he said.

Simeone defined the Italian fashion style as a good combination of colors and styles.

Houtan Gate takes the lead to encourage good manners

Expo site's Houtan Gate was named as Expo 2010's first model gate yesterday, part of a program to encourage good manners from the visitors.

Security checks at all 14 gates of Expo 2010 have been improved since the event's opening in May, but still facing great challenge, officials said.

Up to 39,000 people can now pass through the Houtan Gate in an hour compared with the earlier 10,000 per hour. It has gained appreciations and praises from visitors.

Yin Yicui, Shanghai vice Party Secretary, Yang Xiong, Shanghai executive vice mayor, Yang Zhengwu, Minister of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Committee's Publicity Department, and Hu Hanwu, Political Commissar of armed police, attended yesterday's naming ceremony.

Yin said security check is a crucial defense job of the Expo site and a big mirror of residents' good manners.

She called on the Expo staff to further gear up and improve the work and encourage good manners from Expo visitors.

Red Cross donation

Huang Jianzhi, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, presents the first-aid kits to a participant representative.

Shanghai Red Cross donated 180 first-aid kits to World Expo authorities yesterday.

The organization will keep supplying such medical needs throughout the event at no cost. Expo authorities are equipping pavilions with the first-aid kit to provide timely assistance to unwell staff and visitors. All medical support is free to the public in the Expo site.

Shanghai Red Cross has helped train Expo volunteers in administering first aid skills.

HK volunteers ready to serve

Henry Tang Ying-yen, chief secretary for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, receives a flag from Xu Weiguo, deputy Party secretary of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

One hundred Hong Kong volunteers will start working at the Expo site in early July.

Volunteer representatives received a flag from Henry Tang Ying-yen, chief secretary for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Xu Weiguo, deputy Party secretary of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, at Monday's inauguration ceremony for Hong Kong volunteers in HK's Youth Square.

Forty of the volunteers had served either the Beijing Olympic Games or East Asian Games. They attended a training course following the ceremony.

Also launched at the ceremony was the universities experience tour. A group of 600 university students from Hong Kong will go to Shanghai from July 4 to 8 to attend the Youth Week of Expo 2010 and have exchanges with volunteers from mainland universities.

53rd day records 400,000-plus attendance

The Expo site attracted more than 400,000 visitors yesterday amid pleasant weather.

Among yesterday's visitors, 163,000 were on tour groups and 69,316 visitors used free tickets Shanghai government distributed to local residents.

A total of 34,711 tickets were sold on site, with 12,964 night admissions.

Houtan Gate received about 71,000 visitors, Changqing Road 68,000, and Shangnan Road, Gaoke Road W. about 108,000 in total.

Individual tourists are advised to enter from less crowded gates at Shangnan Rd, Bansongyuan Rd or Madang Rd during 9am to 11am rush hours.

By 5pm, 79 shows were staged, attracting 81,000 spectators. A total of 6,272 volunteers served on the site.

The site is estimated to receive about 180,000 group visitors today. Because the city enters its plum rain season, visitors are advised to take an umbrella, pay special attention to food hygiene and ensure enough water and rest.

Environmental improvement week opens

A week-long campaign to improve facilities and persuade World Expo visitors to use garbage bins was unveiled at the Culture Center in Expo site today.

It was organized by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, Shanghai City Appearance & Environmental Sanitation Administration Bureau and Shanghai Environmental Industry Co.

Through activities, the organizer will encourage visitors to use the garbage system properly by sorting recyclable rubbish, and protect the environment.

In the week of June 23-30 during the Expo, visitors joining the environment protection action will get special stickers and other small gifts including fans and clothes. Expo visitors are encouraged to use cigarette lighting facilities and other public utilities properly. In addition, Shanghai Environmental Industry Co has prepared art performances.

Pavilion directors explore China's debut at World Expo

Directors enjoy a ferry trip.

paper-cutting show

Huzhou ink brush making

Directors get gifts made by craftsmen.

Sixteen pavilion staff, including several directors, yesterday strolled through Nanxun, a water town in northern Zhejiang Province known for its silk that won a gold medal at the first Expo held in London's Crystal Palace in 1851.

They visited the Nanxun Silk Assembly Hall, where the silk was exhibited.

Their tour also included the Jiayetang Library as well as the Zhang and Liu family compounds.

The library used to be one of the biggest private libraries in the region. It still contains an impressive collection of wooden printing blocks housed in a two-story colonial structure built around the courtyard. Nanxun features an interesting mixture of Eastern and Western architecture.

Nanxun boasts the typical water town features - canals, bridges, small lanes and old houses.

Lebanon dazzles visitors with art feast

Caracalla Dance Theatre presents a dance production "Two Thousand and One Nights."

Caracalla Dance Theatre presents a dance production "Two Thousand and One Nights."

The show features exquisite costumes and brilliant settings.

The show features exquisite costumes and brilliant settings.

The show wins applause.

Caracalla Dance Theatre, an internationally renowned dance company based in Beirut, Lebanon, presented a dance production "Two Thousand and One Nights," featuring exquisite costumes and brilliant settings, at the Expo Center last night.

The theatre was established in 1968 and performed in Beijing in 2005. The show was the theatre's debut in Shanghai.

"Two Thousand and One Nights" is the theatre's most known play, which was based on the famous story of "One Thousand and One Nights". It showcases the glorious Arabic culture.

Ivan Caracalla, director of the theatre, said yesterday that the theme of the show is love, humanity, compassion and forgiveness. China is an incredible country, which always looks forward, he said when talking about his impression of the country.

A total of 75 artists of different cultural backgrounds participated in the two-hour performance in celebration of the Lebanon Pavilion Day.

Democratic Republic of Congo celebrates Pavilion Day

The Democratic Republic of Congo celebrates its National Pavilion Day today with fabulous dance performances.

The 2010 Expo would help the Democratic Republic of Congo and China strengthen exchange and cooperation in foreign affairs, business, cultural and scientific fields, Bernard Biando Sango, Minister of Commerce and Medium & Small Business of the country, said at this morning's ceremony in the Expo Center.

The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts rich natural and mineral resources, Sango said. He appreciated China's efforts in promoting regional economic integration and multilateral trade. He also elaborated on the country's investment environment in mineral resources, wood, industrial, tourism, banking, insurance and communications.

Wang Sifa, China's deputy commissioner general for World Expo 2010, said the Democratic Republic of Congo is a good partner of China and the two countries have seen fruitful cooperation in trade and economy, culture and education as well as hygiene.

The country's exhibit showcases its coordinated development concept among resources, human beings and cities, which provides a good exploration in urbanization for developing countries, Wang said.

Themed "More Harmonious and Prosperous City, More Treasures," the pavilion presents its vast mineral resources – the nation is famous for diamonds and rare minerals for electronics - and its goals of urban development in balance with nature.

The main area is arranged around a recreated mine - symbol of its wealth, and features dramatic pictures of the natural wealth, splendor and history.

54th day reports smooth operation

A total of 402,000 visitors toured the Expo site yesterday. Among yesterday's visitors, 164,000 were on tour groups and 98,285 visitors used free tickets Shanghai government distributed to local residents.

Smooth operation was announced by the organizers.

A total of 35,588 tickets were sold on site, with 14,593 night admissions.

Houtan Gate received about 75,000 visitors, Changqing Road 67,000, and Shangnan Road, Gaoke Road W. about 113,000 in total.

By 5pm, 75 shows were staged, attracting 56,000 spectators. A total of 6,278 volunteers served on the site.

The site is estimated to receive about 180,000 group visitors today. Individual tourists are advised to enter from less crowded gates at Shangnan Rd, Bansongyuan Rd or Madang Rd during 9am to 11am rush hours.

Because the city enters its plum rain season, visitors are reminded to take an umbrella and ensure enough water and rest.

Nurse wins Slovakia pageant

visitors participating in the beauty pageant

Contestants answer questions.

contestants entering the second round

Staff of the pavilion distributes candy.

Staff of the pavilion count marks.

winner of the beauty pageant

winner of the beauty pageant

celebration of the occasion

The winner Shen Jin wins two Expo tickets.

The winner Shen Jin leaves her words.

A Shanghai nurse won a beauty pageant at the Slovakia Pavilion yesterday thanks to her knowledge about Slovakia and her beautiful voice.

She took the title "Miss Visitor of the Slovakia Pavilion" out of 16 contestants, all visitors to the pavilion. They answered questions about Slovakia and the 2010 World Expo and sang folk songs of the country in the competition.

The decisive question was about the population of Slovakia and Shen Jin, the winner, knew the answer.

Her prizes included two Expo tickets, and VIP privileges to some popular pavilions such as the USA Pavilion, the Australia Pavilion, the Spain Pavilion and the Saudi Arabia Pavilion.

By hosting the pageant, the staff of the pavilion aimed to create some fun and joy for those queuing in hot weather.

The pavilion also hosted games and contests for Children's Day and Father's Day.