Shanghai Answers

This city is a mess! No worries though, because it’s still the bustling social and business hub that regulars and newbie’s alike have grown to love. All of the great attractions and their gnat-like hawkers are ready for you.

Shanghai is a mess because much of the city is being torn down in order to create a cleaner, more modern and efficient version of itself.

You may ask “aren’t all cities doing this to some extent or other?” and the answer would be yes, but. The state and city authorities are pulling out all the stops to renew the city for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. This is the city’s equivalent of the ‘08 Olympics in Beijing.

The 2010 Expo will be held from May 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010. Organizers are expecting over 70 million visitors and they already have confirmations from 185 countries and 47 international organizations.

The majority of the World Expo sites will be located along the banks of the Huangpu River between the Nanpu and Lupu Bridges but all of the central districts are receiving facelifts to some extent.

This means there are day and night construction projects all over the city. The improved infrastructure and ‘greening’ of urban areas is their way of making the best possible first impression for all of those expected visitors.

So, remember that on your visit to Shanghai there may be a few construction zones or street projects that get in the way, but they are all coming together for the future face of an increasingly modern and growing Shanghai.

-Brian Michael operates a business providing Shanghai city tours and 24Hr concierge services in Shanghai, China