BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo started a timer Friday for the year-long countdown to the Shanghai World Expo at Tian'anmen Square in the heart of Beijing.

    Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said at a ceremony that the government would spare no effort in preparation for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and the country looked forward to experiencing technological advances and sharing the achievements of human civilization with friends from across the world.

Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo (R) applauds after starting a year-long countdown timer installed at Tian'anmen Square in the heart of Beijing, capital of China, for the Shanghai World Expo to be held on May 1, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Photo Gallery>>>

    He said the World Expo had proved during its more than 150-yearhistory to play an important, unique role in promoting world economic and technological development.

    The Expo could also help promote the development of civilizations and cultures, he said.

    China's business hub, Shanghai, won a bid to host the 2010 World Expo in 2002. The Expo will be on stage from May 1 to Oct. 31 next year.

Hong Kong and Hollywood film legend Jackie Chan, one of the promotion ambassadors for the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, performs during the ceremony to unveil the one-year countdown clock in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square, May 1, 2009. (Photo Source: China Daily) Photo Gallery>>>

    So far more than 230 countries, regions and international organizations have confirmed that they would participate in the Expo, which will use the theme of "Better City, Better Life".

    The countdown timer was installed at the east side of the square, where a similar timer once counted down the days to the Beijing Olympic Games. After the Expo opens, the timer will display the daily number of visitors.

    Wu said the Expo would help increase exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world.

 

Photo taken on May 1, 2009 shows the year-long countdown timer installation ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in the heart of Beijing, capital of China, for the Shanghai World Expo to be held on May 1, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Photo Gallery>>>

    Based on the Expo's theme, the event would provide an opportunity for all participants to demonstrate methods of city planning and development and environmentally friendly lifestyles for sustainable development, he said.

    The top legislator also said that a successful, splendid and memorable World Expo was a promise made by the Chinese government and people.

    Shanghai's Communist Party chief, Yu Zhengsheng, who is also the vice-chairman of the Expo's organizing committee, said at the ceremony that the fair would be another international event in China after the Beijing Olympic Games, for which all preparations went smoothly.

    The Expo would also be a safe and frugal event, Yu added.

Jackie Chan, Yao Ming appointed ambassadors for 2010 Shanghai World Expo

Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan was appointed promotion ambassadors for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, April 30, 2009.(Photo: expo2010.cn) Photo Gallery>>>

    SHANGHAI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan and NBA star Yao Ming were appointed promotion ambassadors for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo on Thursday.

    "I will spare no efforts to pay close attention to the Expo and help promote it throughout the world," said Jackie Chan at a performance for residents relocated from the Expo site.

236 participants confirm attendance to Shanghai World Expo 

    SHANGHAI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Altogether 236 countries and international organizations have confirmed attendance to next year's World Expo in China's biggest city Shanghai, organizers of the event said Friday.

    Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were he two latest confirmed participants, said a spokesman with the Shanghai World Expo Coordination Bureau.

2010 World Expo: Tour the world in one day

    BEIJING, May 1 -- How much will it cost to tour the world? The answer is 160 yuan (23.35 U.S. dollars). In just a year's time, people will be able to enjoy tea in a French garden, chat with friends on Australia's Uluru and take a trip on Switzerland's Mount Titlis cable car, all on the same day. The dreamlike journey will take place in the 2010 World Expo site along the Huangpu River in Shanghai.

    With 365 days to go and more than 1 million tickets already sold in China, it's time to think about what the 2010 world fair will have to offer.