This year, China has been hit by abnormal weather—spring seems reluctant to arrive as north China is plagued by low temperatures and strong winds and the south is drenched in lasting rainfall. In spite of the climate, the pulse of spring is vibrant at the Expo site.

Before the opening ceremony, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said the six trial runs for the Expo had achieved their expected results with flying colors.

Various facilities and services at the 5.28-square-km Expo site underwent all kinds of tests. Problems exposed during the trials, of safety inspection, check-in procedures, visitor guidance, catering supplies and price regulation, were all swiftly resolved thanks to the joint work of relevant departments.

From China's successful bid for the Expo to its opening this year, with strong support from the Central Government and from all over the country, Shanghai has put in a great deal of preparation. In January, President Hu Jintao said the Expo was to be staged based on the whole country's efforts and the wisdom and knowledge of the whole world.

The Expo has attracted 246 countries and international organizations to participate, the largest number in the event's history. With "Better City, Better Life" as the theme, the Expo is a pageant where the world can come together to learn about the future of urban life. It also offers a platform for thoughtful dialogue about progress of mankind.

The Expo also gives Shanghai, and China, a chance for exposure to the rest of the world and provides a broad stage for all its participants. Shanghai is China's most prosperous metropolis and an important international port on the western bank of the Pacific.

Shanghai is a historical and also modern city. It combines both Eastern and Western characteristics. Modern features are interspersed with Chinese tradition. There are old-style Western buildings on the Bund in the older Puxi area and also modern skyscrapers in the Pudong New Area on the other side of the Huangpu River. Maybe visitors will be fortunate enough to travel through normal Shanghai residential alleys after traversing prosperous business districts, viewing lively scenarios of the people's urban lives.

With Shanghai at the center, small and medium-sized cities are scattered in an area in radius of 300 km around. These cities are famous for their beautiful landscapes and delicate food, and their efficient transport to the hub of Shanghai is an added attraction. They are the not-so-well-known areas of the overall Shanghai picture.

It's our hope that, while experiencing the delights of the Expo, travelers from all over the world will also be able to explore fully the natural and cultural wonders of Shanghai. Your trip to China will indeed prove to be a worthwhile experience!