Following John and Gregg as they travel to Shanghai and to the kickoff the the 
World Expo 2010. 

Appropriately, the theme of Expo 2010 is "Better City, Better Life," representing the common wish of the whole humankind for a better living in future urban environments. This theme represents a central concern of the international community for future policy making, urban strategies and sustainable development. In 1800, 2% of the global population lived in cities. In 1950, the figure raised to 29%, in 2000, almost half the world population moved into cities, and by 2010, as estimated by the United Nations, the urban population will account for 55% of the total human population.
The quest for a better life has run through the urban history of mankind. Through different sub-themes, Expo 2010 will create blueprints for future cities and harmonious urban life styles, providing an extraordinary educational and entertaining platform for visitors of all nations:

*Blending of diverse cultures in the city

*Economic prosperity in the city

*Innovations of science and technology in the city

*Remodelling of communities in the city

*Interactions between urban and rural areas

Opening week staged a series of cultural events including a performance parade and displays of intangible heritage including fireworks displays, Tea Culture Show, Acrobatic Show and a Brand New Show.

The emblem, depicting the image of three people-you, me, him/her holding hands together, symbolizes the big family of mankind. Inspired by the shape of the Chinese character"世"(meaning the world), the design conveys the organizers' wish to host an Expo which is of global scale and which showcases the diversified urban cultures of the world.

The Mascot "Haibao" is created from the Chinese character " 人," which means people, the mascot embodies the character of Chinese culture and echoes with the designing concept of the emblem of World Expo Shanghai. Using the Chinese character as the mascot of an international event is an innovation.

Stay tuned for future post on the incredible architecture of the Pavilions.