Shanghai World Expo 2010

The 2010 World Expo was held in the Chinese city of Shanghai; the first time a developing country has hosted the event. Held from 1 May to 31 October 2010, the exhibition had already topped its target of 70 million visitors as it entered its final week. China spent a huge amount on the Expo, even more than on the Beijing Olympics. The World Expo was staged by over 240 countries and organizations. Some of the national pavilions were spectacular structures, clearly out to make an immense impression as nations vied for a slice of the Chinese commercial cake. But opportunities were not all one sided; the Shanghai World Expo gave China the perfect platform to showcase its growing global influence. The city-centre site was huge, straddling both sides of the River Huangpu and dominated by the towering red structure of the China pavilion. As usual with events of this magnitude, Shanghai became one enormous building site and for many months workers raced to complete the Expo infrastructure on time. Shanghai now has a new airport terminal, new metro lines and new roads – an important legacy for its economic future.