3 PM: Visit the Shanghai World Expo

Shanghai's World Expo, a megasite spanning both sides of the Huangpu River in Puxi and Pudong, includes a new wetland park. The exposition's theme, "Better City, Better Life," has sparked a lot of eco innovation by the 190 participating nations. For example, the Dutch structure (pictured), is a curving street of 26 colorful elevated houses that looks a bit like a roller coaster; inside, there are exhibits on environmental issues such as water purification and sustainability. The Swiss pavilion's facade is covered in solar-powered LED lights and topped by a green meadow that visitors can reach by chairlift. Some of the buildings will stay put after the six-month event ends in October 2010, including the Culture Center, a clam-shaped 18,000-seat venue that includes a movie theater, ice-skating rink, and live music club. If you get lost on the site, just ask one of the 37 five-foot robots. These multilingual little fellas have touch-screen chests and can even take your photograph.

Expo tickets from $24/RMB160
Tel: 86 21 962010

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