The miniature currently exhibited in the
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center vividly demonstrates the design plan for the site construction for World Expo 2010, for which
Shanghai is vigorously bidding.
The Expo site in
Shanghai is in the old city proper on one bank of the Huangpu River, covering an area of 5.4 square kilometers.
The major exhibition sites with show halls as well as a conference building are planned to be distributed mainly on the east side of the river, which will occupy 240 hectares of land.
The selected site is on the verge of Shanghai's central region,making it possible for the Expo to take full advantage of the convenient transportation facilities as well as surrounding hotels and restaurants.
The Expo site design has blended the merits of eight schemes from different countries' celebrated companies. "It's quite innovative, with an elliptic canal, flower bridge and green corridors," said Yu Sijia, an expert with the
Shanghai Urban Planning Administration Bureau (SUPAB).
According to Yu, the canal will harmonize the Expo site construction and the development of the Huangpu River's banks.
As ties between nature and urban residents, green plant "corridors" vertical to the river will stretch from the river bank to the city's central region, Yu said.
In addition, a 400- to 500-meter flower bridge crossing the Huangpu River will be set up specially for sight-seeing pedestrians with a connotation of linking the past, present and future of Shanghai, Yu added.
According to Wang Junyi, a bidding official, the International Exhibition Bureau (IEB) hopes the World Expo can accelerate the city's development, especially the reconstruction of old urban districts.
Shanghai will put the World Expo site in the old area of the city, with "A Better City, A Better Life" as the theme for her bid,which completely meets the IEB's demands and wishes, said Wang Junyi.
The site selection can also help to display the various aspects of the theme, including multi-cultural integration, economic prosperity, scientific innovation and community construction in urban areas, said Wang.
SUPAB director Tang Zhiping said areas on both sides of the Huangpu River are the key places for reconstruction over the next 10 years.
If
Shanghai wins the bid, the World Expo will greatly propel its structural readjustment, old district reconstruction and ecological improvement in the riverbank areas. The site is expected to be a new landmark symbolizing the city's image, said Tang.
According to the design plan, the canal, green "corridors" and buildings for meeting, exhibition, entertainment and commerce will all be maintained for further use after the Expo, forming another cultural and commercial center, Tang added.
Shanghai has spent 700 years developing from an obscure fishing village into the current charming metropolis. She is now yearning for the opportunity of holding the World Expo 2010, which will make her more beautiful and prosperous, Tang said.
