rss feedAt Expo 2010, China (again) on world stage
The world’s party is happening in Shanghai – at Expo 2010.
And China’s “The Crown of the East” is turning heads at Expo 2010, which runs through the end of October.
Officials estimate 70 million people will attend. In many ways, the entire Expo 2010 symbolizes much of China – big, beautiful, complex, meaningful, modern, traditional and head-scratching.
In a nod to Fark, here’s a quick rundown of observations:
COLORFUL: Yahoo-branded Chinese websites go with colorful images, including fireworks.
BOUNTIFUL: Xinhua, China Daily and People’s Daily devote much space to Expo 2010. Xinhua’s online layout stands out.
PAVILION SEARCH: Find the one from your home country.
NOTEWORTHY: The Chinese government spent $45 billion on Expo 2010, reportedly more than the Beijing Olymics in 2008.
FACTOID: Last year, World Bank said it would invest $45 billion to speed up global economic recovery. Also, in 2009, FDIC asks U.S. banks to pay $45 billion to boost cash reserves.
GREENWORTHY: Chinese media report says Expo 2010 fireworks were free of smoke and milk boxes used for 2,000 seats for VIPS.
IMAGE WORTHY: Yahoo’s English site goes with nearly 200 photos of Expo 2010.
YUM: Xinhua offers special section – in English – on Shanghai snacks, including steamed bun with crab inside.
A JAVA COMPLAINT: French journalist asks for stronger-tasting coffee but says all is modern.
SHOPPER ALERT: Opportunities await, especially on Nanjing Road.
SHOPPER PROTECTION: Shanghai sends English-speaking attorneys to Expo 2010 to resolve consumer complaints (if they surface).
BUILDING WISE: Macau makes pavilion in shape of a jade rabbit, which in Chinese mythology stands in front of ”nantianmen” as its pronounced in Mandarin.
In the Monkey King, one of China’s most famous tales, “nantianmen” is the door leading to Heaven, separating life on Earth and an ever-lasting world.
Shanghai is home to White Rabbit candy (which has had a few problems in recent years).
CROSS-STRAITS WATCH: Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands and poses for photographs with Guomingdang officials, or KMT, from Taiwan.
NOTEWORTHY II: Apparently, first time in 40 years that Taiwan has participated in an Expo.
BUDGETWORTHY: Chinese officials said $45 billion makes for nice and simple event - budget could have been larger.
CUBA AT THE EXPO: Pavilion of U.S. neighbor reportedly will feature cigars and Cuban-style cocktails.
NORTH KOREA WATCH: If you can’t get into that country on a visa, you can walk to its pavilion.
COCA COLA PAVILION: It exists – with wind-proof metal blinds.
JAPANESE ROBOT: At least one, measuring 130 centimeters in height, will be on display in a Japanese industry pavilion (photograph is below).
CHINESE ROBOTS: The Shaanxi pavilion has robots depicting Emperor Xuanzong from the Tang Dynasty. Fast-foward to robots that can be journalists and can cook Chinese food.
USA PAVILION: It apparently received early good marks. The structure is pictured below.
PAVILION OF FUTURE: Artist’s rendition, pictured below, shows books. Hopefully, it includes the iPad or HP Slate.
VEHICLES OF THE FUTURE: GM is showcasing its new electric car, produced with a Shanghai partner, at Expo 2010. Images are from GM.
OLDER: In the 1990s, Chinese tourists flocked to Windows of the World in Shenzhen to see replicas of global monuments. Clearly, in many ways, Expo 2010 eclipses that theme park.
NATIONAL DAY 2010: Chinese citizens usually have a week-long vacation. They might head to Expo 2010.
WORTHY: Who says China doesn’t have fun things to do? China knows how to throw a world party.
AIRFARE: Hainan Airlines flies directly from Seattle to Beijing.
SAD: The New York Times and other media outlets report attacks on school-age kids in China. Help needed.
THOUGHT INDUCER: The Gray Lady quotes U.S. architect in China as saying:
The Expo won’t make architectural history….But this is a more sustainable approach. The Water Cube is being eaten alive by acid rain.
SIDE NOTE: This incident in Houston doesn’t sound good.
LAST NOTE: Thanks for reading this post!
