Shanghai Daily news

It will cost a little more to get into the Shanghai 2010 World Expo than previously estimated, but an alternative free version will be available on the Internet, city officials said in Beijing yesterday as they prepared to mark the 1,000-day countdown to the event.

They also reported that the number of confirmed participants has risen to 158 countries, regions and international organizations. More than 200 participants are expected to attend the 184-day event, which begins on May 1, 2010.

"The international community is reacting positively to the event, and we receive a confirmation letter every three days," Shanghai Vice Mayor Yang Xiong told reporters during a news briefing at the State Council Information Office.

The update came as organizers were getting ready to celebrate the 1,000-day countdown to the event on Sunday, when a series of expo-related promotions will begin around the country.

Updating plans for the world fair, the Shanghai organizers said a new Website will provide 360-degree views of expo pavilions and other attractions.

There was no immediate word, however, on when the site will be available.

Organizers also said the basic one-day admission price has been increased to 160 yuan (US$21.13), up from the US$20 forecast in 2001, as a result of the rising value of China's currency.

Discounts will be available for early ticket reservations and for senior citizens, students and groups, organizers said, without providing details.

Organizers also said that they will set different prices for different times of the day to balance the flow of the 70 million visitors expected to attend.

Among the event's highlights, the expo's Urban Best Practices Area has attracted more than 20 cities that want to show how they've met a wide range of urban challenges.

Organizers vowed that Shanghai will host a "green" expo using renewable energy sources such as solar power and recycled rain water.

"All the vehicles in the site will use clean energy and generate no emissions," Yang said. "No private cars will be allowed on or near the site. We will encourage visitors to take public transport."

Yang said the Metro system will be the main form of transport to and from the event. Shanghai is expanding the length of its Metro network to more than 400 kilometers by 2010, up from 230km at the end of this year.

Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said at least nine corporate pavilions will be built. Any company with a well-known brand and an ability to innovate can qualify.

The construction of the China Pavilion and theme pavilions will start this year. Other national pavilions for participating countries and international organizations will begin construction in 2009.

Organizers will launch an exhibition in Shanghai and 30 cities nationwide to mark the 1,000-day countdown on Sunday. The local event will be held at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center on People's Square.