Shanghai Invests Deep in Expo, But Legacy Raises Concerns

Shanghai is preparing to host the 2010 World Expo -- an event that's costing more than $45 billion. While officials hope the event will be a boon for tourism, locals question whether the investment will pay off.

1 minute read

February 10, 2010, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Shanghai is expecting 70 million visitors, most of them domestic, to the six-month-long extravaganza.

This will be Shanghai's moment in the sun. And many, like Expo construction worker Miao Yonggan, can't wait.

'The Shanghai Expo will be even better than the Olympics,' he says, grinning. 'It will win glory for Chinese people all round the world.'

But concerns are being voiced about the Expo's environmental impact and sustainability."

Critics cite that the majority of pavilions constructed for the event will be torn down immediately after the Expo.

FULL STORY: Critics Worry About Shanghai Expo's Legacy

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 in NPR

Community / Economic Development Urban Development China Shanghai World Expo

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