China

Survey says: Give us another Expo

By Tang Zhihao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-13 08:02

SHANGHAI - Impressed by the cultural and high-tech presentations in the Expo Garden's stunning national pavilions, 60 percent of people surveyed in Shanghai hope the cultural gala will be held again in China.

According to a survey conducted by Shanghai-based Touchmedia, which conducted the survey through screens installed on the backs of taxicab headrests, about 60 percent of passengers among the 130,000 surveyed expect the event to be held again in other Chinese cities.

"The presentations by states around the world have stretched my horizons and I can look at what other countries are doing with their technological innovations and economic development," said Wang Xiaohui, a visitor from Hebei province.

Organizers also recognized that the Expo has offered a wonderful chance for foreigners to look inside the country and get to know more about China.

"In some foreigners' opinions, China remains a country with unsound economic development and always has some negative news associated with it. Expo offered a chance for them to see the true China," said Qian Zhiguang, deputy head of the China Pavilion. "I think it is worthwhile for China to hold another Expo."

"The Expo in China also offered a chance for all the countries gathered to discuss some critical issues we are facing and provide some possible solutions," added Qian.

Guangzhou Daily reported that Guangzhou is planning to apply to be the host city of the 2020 Expo.

Some visitors suggest that the selection of host cities might not be limited to large cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou if China has the chance to hold another Expo.

"Small cities may have some unique natural landscapes that can't be found in large cities," said Wang Yueru, a visitor from Ningbo in Zhejiang province.

However, not every visitor to the Expo Garden agreed with holding another world fair in China.

"The half-year event has brought many inconveniences to local residents and some of them have been forced to change their lives, like getting through traffic, to welcome the event," said a Shanghai resident surnamed Zhou.

China Daily