The World Expo 2010 is currently underway in the city of Shanghai, China. Staged along both banks of the Huangpu River, more than 190 countries and 50 international organizations from around the globe have come together to share pavilions and exhibitions. The theme of the exposition is Better City – Better Life, and is an opportunity for countries from around the world to showcase their artistic, cultural, and architectural talents.  With an estimated 70 million visitors, the event is said to be the most expensive and also largest World’s fair site – 5.28 square km – in history.

The tradition of World Expositions stretches back to the Great Exhibition at Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace in London. At that time, the Exposition provided a unique opportunity for the convening of cultures which otherwise would remain largely separate. Today, even in an era when globalization drives this cultural fusion, the Expo continues to hold an important position both as a cultural venue, political platform, and an opportunity for Shanghai to demonstrate its international significance both to its citizens and the world.

Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for the City of Shanghai to develop its infrastructure system, which will benefit the city long after the exposition closes at the end of October. After a flurry of construction over the past months, the city now has a new airport terminal, new metro lines, roads, parks, and public areas which will greatly enhance the city’s future.

Working in China over the last few months, HAA employees were able to tour many of the iconic National Pavilions and experience firsthand this historic event.