The 2010 Shanghai World Expo is an event of historic proportion for both China and the world. With more than 5,000 years of civilization, China welcomes both international exchange and world peace. China owes its successful bid for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo to the international community's support for and confidence in its reform and opening-up.

This expo will be the first registered World Exposition in a developing country, which speaks volumes about the expectations the world's people place on China's future development… especially after the successful 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. Now, more than ever, is the time to discover China!

Although you might be more familiar with the term "World's Fair," world expos continue to capture our collective imaginations with galleries of human inspirations and thoughts. Since 1851 when the "Great Exhibition of Industries of All Nations" was held in London, world expositions have attained increasing prominence as grand events for economic, scientific, technological and cultural exchanges, serving as an important platform for displaying historical experience, exchanging innovative ideas, demonstrating "esprit de corps" and articulating visions of what the future will hold.

The 2010 World Expo is unique in many ways.

• This will be the biggest World Expo held so far, with over 192 countries and 50 international organizations have already signed up
  
• It is the largest World Expo site ever, at more than 3.5 square miles
  
• With more than 70 million attendees expected - including an estimated 3.5 million from outside of China - the 2010 World Expo will likely have the largest attendance ever.
  
• The 2010 World Expo takes place in China, the fastest growing economy in the world.

Why should your clients visit the 2010 Shanghai World Expo?

• They can learn about the latest technologies for "Better City, Better Life" showcased by over 192 countries in the world.
• More than 192 countries will provide an unmatched opportunity for attendees to experience an incredible diversity of cultures.
• This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet new friends from literally all corners of the world!
  
• There has never been a greater welcoming event to begin a tour throughout all of China - the fastest growing economy in the world.

Best of all, the event is open to the public for six months - from May 1 to October 31, 2010. The 2010 Shanghai World Expo is located at the waterfront of the Huangpu River between Nanpu Bridge and Lupu Bridge in downtown Shanghai. To learn more about the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, click here to visit the web site.

Best wishes for a Happy 2010 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger!

Beyond the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, 2010 is your clients' year to visit and explore all China has to offer. Beyong Beijing, Shanghai and the Great Wall, China's many fascinating destinations have so much to offer... culture, heritage, natural beauty, unmatched cuisine, artistic wonders, and adventures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For more information, be sure to watch future editions of this newsletter, visit our web site, meet up with us at trade shows and let us know your thoughts.