Shanghai Daily news

People who can't make it to the real 2010 World Expo in Shanghai will be able to visit the pavilions via the Internet at Expo Shanghai Online, launched yesterday at a seminar in Paris, France.

The Website, which will go partly live in January 2010, will allow Netizens worldwide to see three-dimensional images of the pavilions.

Those who log on can "walk" into every corner of the Expo site from a first-person point of view and watch performances any time, anywhere.

They will also be able to interact by playing games, chat with pavilion chiefs and even plan a future city in keeping with the Expo's theme of livable cities and innovation.

Tencent Inc will set up and maintain Expo Shanghai Online and provide other Internet-related services to 2010 World Expo, after it signed a deal with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination early this month.

Beijing-based Crystal CG, a project sponsor, will provide digital technology to Expo Shanghai Online.

The announcement came as deputy commissioner general of Switzerland's exhibition section, Manuel Salchli, handed in the confirmation letter of the country's participation to Zhu Yonglei, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination. Switzerland is the first country to take part in the cyber program.

Vicente Loscertales, secretary general of the International Expositions Bureau, hailed the program as a great innovation which has historical significance.

Representatives from Switzerland and Japan introduced plans for setting up a three-dimensional online pavilion and experience in using online technology during 2005 World Expo Aichi.

Organizers hope to make 2010 World Expo an everlasting event through the online channel. The program is also expected to attract more overseas visitors to visit the "real" Expo.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia signed a participation contract with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination yesterday. It will showcase the development of its cities and the lives of its residents with the theme "vitality of life."