If you’re considering a trip to China sometime this year, you might want to think about a visit to Shanghai! The city will be hosting Expo 2010 from May 1 to October 31.

It’s sure to be an international cultural event you won’t want to miss.

What is Shanghai’s 2010 World Expo?

This Universal Exposition is better known as the World’s Fair.

While these international expos started out as public events to display technological advancements, today nations participate largely to improve their national images through their own pavilions set up to greet visitors.

Famous Expos you’ve probably heard of include the Crystal Palace constructed for the first World’s Fair in London (1851), an “ugly” and controversial structure called the Eiffel Tower built for the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1889), and the Space Needle which was the symbol of Seattle’s event (1962).

The theme for Expo 2010 in Shanghai is “Better City, Better Life” representing the common wish of humankind for a better living in future urban environments. Key elements will be: concern of the international community for future policy making, urban strategies, and sustainable development.

In addition to pavilions hosted by countries from around the world, Expo 2010 will host forums for community discussion, and numerous events including parades, art festivals, concerts, and theater.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience various countries in a short amount of time to perhaps narrow down your must-travel-to list, a visit to Expo 2010 could be a great opportunity!

How to purchase Expo 2010 tickets

There are several types of tickets available for this expo ranging from Peak Day Admission, Single Day, 3 Day, 7 Day, Evening, Group, and Student Admission.

If you’re outside of China, the best way to purchase tickets will be through an Expo 2010- approved travel agent. Otherwise, for those already there, you’ll need to check out a list of approved ticket sales locations.

Prices range from free for small children to about $130 for the 7 Day Pass.

Be sure to check out the event website and details carefully. Also, they are selling tickets in phases, so keep your eyes peeled for the release dates of any types of passes that might interest you. Rumor has it, Peak Admission passes are almost sold out.

Hurry and grab this deal to visit China while it lasts!

I found it at the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show this past weekend.

China Vacation is offering a 9 day/7 nights trip to China for $1,199. [Tour fare $891 + Tax $85 + Fuel Charge $223]

From what I understand there are only a few departure dates left (in April, I believe). You depart from Los Angeles and visit Beijing and Shanghai.

Tour Highlights:

Beijing: Forbidden City, The Great Wall, Tianamen Square

Shanghai: Old Town, Huangpu River Bund

Includes: 13 meals, Deluxe hotel accomodations, international air ticket departure from LAX, hotel accomodation, meals specified in the itinerary, sightseeing admission fees and transportation within China.

Excludes: Visa fees, single person supplement $300

For more information contact:

Grand American Travels, Inc.

(800) 868-6686

info@grand-travel.com

(photo via destination360.com)