February 16, 2010 - When China hosted the 29th Summer Olympic Games in 2008, the event focused global attention not just on the host city, Beijing, but on the entire nation.
Now China is preparing again to host a major international event - World Expo 2010, Shanghai – a six month extravaganza which will showcase a vast range of cultural, artistic and commercial offerings from over 200 countries.
"World Expo will be a much larger event than the Olympics," said Helen Wong, Managing Director Helen Wong's Tours, the only private company authorised to sell World Expo tickets in Australia.
"This event is expected to attract some 70 million visitors during its six month season, from 01 May until 31 October," said Helen.
"Not only does this enable people to experience the exciting attractions of the Expo, and the spectacular host city of Shanghai. It also provides fresh opportunities for visitors to explore some of the countless other regions of China, one of the world's most extraordinary and fastest-growing destinations."
Throughout the 184-day World Expo, more than 20,000 events are scheduled to be held at 35 venues, many of them within the 5.3 square kilometre Expo site in the heart of Shanghai.
Centred on the theme "Better City, Better Life", Expo participants will host national pavilion days throughout the event, and various regions of China will be showcased.
For travellers from Australia, Helen Wong's Tours has developed a range of Shanghai and World Expo packages lasting eight days and six nights, priced from $1800 per person, twin share from Sydney and Melbourne, from $2150 per person, twin share ex Brisbane and from $2495 per person, twin share ex Adelaide and Perth.
Packages include Economy Class air fares to and from China, six nights' accommodation in a four star hotel, a three day Expo Pass with transfers, six buffet breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner, English speaking guides, a Chinese visa for Australian passport holders, a travel kit including a 424 page Odyssey China book and travel bag, and applicable airline taxes and charges. Prices vary with season of travel.
Shorter packages to Shanghai are also available for three days and two nights with a one day Expo Pass, four days/three nights with a two day Expo pass or five days/four nights with a three day pass. All Shanghai and Expo tours can be combined with other packages from Helen Wong's Tours to a range of destinations throughout China.
For more information on these or other holiday ideas from Helen Wong's Tours, please visit www.helenwongstours.com or call 1300 788 328.
