What locals think about the Shanghai 2010 Expo

Tao Ning Xing, 55, watched the fireworks illuminate Shanghai’s waterfront Friday night and felt pride overwhelm him.

“Today, our skyline is just as spectacular as Hong Kong’s or Tokyo’s,” said Xing, who drives one of the new Expo taxis. “Shanghai keeps getting better and better.”

Xing’s reaction is common among many locals, who say the 2010 Expo is yet another opportunity to show the world China is ready to be on the global stage. The extravaganza has been an excuse to modernize Shanghai and boost its standing as a world-class city.

After a post celebrating the Expo launch, popular Chinese forum Xici Hutong was filled with comments about the prestige of organizing such an event.

Two sides of the 2010 Expo

Pride aside, hosting the Expo has created some lifestyle annoyances, residents say. An estimated 70 million visitors are expected to descend upon the city for the six-month long festivities.

Shanghai resident James Xu, 36, was trying to park his car at a Western hotel last week, but was shocked to learn the garage was full.

“Hosting the Expo is two-sided,” Xu said. “It’s good because it’s improved our transportation systems, but Shanghai residents have suffered for the past year with bad traffic and lots of construction sites.”

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On Chinese blogs, others complain that the money spent on the 2010 Expo is “an extravagance” and waste “of the hard-earned money of ordinary people.” And popular Shanghai-based blogger Han Han has mocked Shanghai’s self-importance, saying “it’s sort of like when a domestic clothing brand is very hot and heavily advertised … but when you go abroad and ask around you discover it’s actually a second-rate brand.”

For many Chinese, who will make up an estimated 95 percent of the visitors, the Expo represents a chance to sample the world without going that far from home. Xu said he booked tickets six months in advance, mostly so that his two young children can experience the international flavor of the event.

Shanghai resident Tang Bei Li, 59, has already come up with a strategic approach to her World Expo site visit. She’ll wait until the crowds thin out in June, skip the permanent Chinese pavilion, since it will remain after the Expo is over, and pick one country from each region of the world, such as France, the United States and some African country.

After all the fanfare is over, residents say Shanghai will be a better city. There are more subway lines, wider roads, a new airport terminal and flowers hanging from every possible location, including freeway overpasses.

“The Expo has improved life for us,” said Wang Yi Qi, 61. “I’m taking advantage of the improvements.”

Shanghai man (and woman) on the street

Name: Ye Fen
Age: 32
Occupation: Japanese export businesswoman
2010 Expo attendance: Yes

“I am very excited to see the 2010 Expo. I can’t wait to go to the European country pavilions. I went to Europe once and loved it. This is my chance to experience it again for a much lower price. “

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: He Binqing
Age: 34
Occupation: Government administrator
2010 Expo attendance: Yes

 

“The Expo is a test for the Chinese people. Worldwide, people will be watching how we manage this event. Many of my colleagues are volunteering at the events. We must do all we can to help out.”

 

 

 

 

Name: Wang Yiqi
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
2010 Expo attendance: No. "The days when I can use my free ticket will be too crowded, and it’s too expensive for me to go another time."

“The Expo has improved life for us. We have more scenic spots, the roads are wider and more subway lines make life more convenient. It’s also easier and easier for foreigners to come here to travel.”

 

 

 

 

Name: Liu Guiying
Age: 77
Occupation: Retired
2010 Expo attendance: No. "I’m too old -- I’ll watch it on television."

 

“It wasn’t easy for us to become the host of the Expo. All of us want to contribute to the effort because this is making China more well-known to the rest of the world. We are also hoping to absorb more international culture.”

 

 

 

Name: Nick Yang
Age: 13
Occupation: Student
2010 Expo attendance: "Definitely."

“The Expo is a symbol of Shanghai. I think it will be cool to see how every pavilion showcases its country’s specialties.”

 

 

 

 

Name: Fang Yijing
Age: 32
Occupation: Administrator
2010 Expo attendance: Yes. "I will go later this summer."

 

“I think it’s a good opportunity to introduce China to the rest of the world, but it costs too much. I would prefer that money to go to the people. China is giving more to the Expo than the Expo will give China. Today, with the rapid communication networks, what is the significance of an Expo really? Still, I would like to see the different pavilions, and it’s good for people to come and see Shanghai.”

 

Name: Chen Haiming
Age: 57
Occupation: Import/export businessman
2010 Expo attendance: Yes. "I’ll go after the initial crowds thin out."

“The fact that we’re able to host the 2010 Expo is an indication of how booming China is today. The rate of development has been extraordinary. But the downside of the rapid development is that the rich are too rich and the poor still too poor. Overall, the changes are for the better but we still have some problems.”