Expo 2010: UAE Pavilion

Theme: Power of Dreams

The United Arab Emirates Pavilion is located near entrance #5, in the southeast side of Zone A, adjacent to the QatarPavilion.

The pavilion is shaped like a sand dune, inspired by the country's desert.  The outside is made of gold-colored stainless steel and glass and its curvature resembles the natural formations of the leeward and windward sides of sand dunes.

Designed in response to Shanghai's weather, the pavilion's unique shape protects against the direct glare of the city's summer sun but allows indirect light to enter the pavilion via louvers. Visitors will approach the "dunes" by a walkway, which follows a stream of water towards the entrance.

Plans for UAE's planned city Masdar, a 6 square kilometer carbon neutral and zero waste community in Abu Dhabi, will be on display.

Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website.

Expo 2010: Hungary Pavilion

Theme: Harmony, Creativity and Hospitality

The Hungary Pavilion is located in the center of Zone C near the No.7 entrance, adjacent to the Europe Joint Pavilion.

The pavilion is decorated with over 1000 wooden tubes, of which many move to bring light into the interior of the pavilion and create sound when visitors tap on them. Visitors will feel as if walking through a forested area and at night, the lights that are built into the rods create an image of a starlit sky.

The pavilion's main focus is the Gömböc, a geometric shape invented by two Hungarian mathematicians. This shape is unique in that it is the first known homogeneous object with one stable and one unstable equilibrium point, thus it will always right itself on its one point of stable equilibrium no matter which way it is placed. Within the pavilion is the largest Gömböc in the world and visitors will be able to play with it.


Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website.

Expo 2010: Russia Pavilion

Theme: New Russia: City and Citizen

The Russia Pavilion is located in the center of Zone C near the No.8 entrance, adjacent to the Canada Pavilion.

The pavilion is comprised of 12 irregularly-shaped towers linked by a central building dubbed the "Civilization Cube."  The white/gold/red colors of the towers resemble historically Russian architecture while the perforated tops of the towers were created based on traditional Russian garments from the various ethnic groups in the country.  The central cube is made of a reflective material that changes along with the movement of the sky, towers, greenery and people during the day.  It symbolizes civilization's constant evolution.

The design was based on the importance of children and was influenced by the Russian writer Nikolay Nosov's novel "The Adventures of Dunno and His Friends."  Decorated as a fairy-tale world, visitors will see the world through children's eyes as they walk through three fantastic cities: The City of Flowers, the City of Sun, and the City of Moon.

The City of Flowers on the first floor is decorated with giant plants, so that visitors will feel small and like a child again.  The City of Sun on the second floor is a small artificial space where sunlight shines permanently and will mainly exhibit Russian youth's technological achievements. The City of Moon on the third floor focuses on space exploration to ignite visitors' boundless imagination about the future of the world.

Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website.

Expo 2010: Singapore Pavilion

Theme: Urban Symphony

The Singapore Pavilion is located near the No. 7 entrance, on the southwest side of Zone B, adjacent to the Australia pavilion.

The 2-story building is in the shape of a music box, with water and gardens being the two main elements inside the pavilion.  Many of Singapore's flora has been flown in to be featured in the "Hanging Garden" in the rooftop.  Here, visitors will get a first-hand feel of Singapore being a "Garden City," with not only the gardens but also the many music fountains.

The theme "Urban Symphony" is inspired by the harmony between progress and sustainability, urbanization and greenery, tradition and modernity, and a cosmopolitan mix of residents of different races living peacefully together, all of which can be found in Singapore.

Visit this pavilion at night to view the dazzling light rays shining through the interlaced windows and facade slits that were designed to help reduce energy consumption, making this building more environmentally-friendly.

Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website.

Expo 2010: Switzerland Pavilion

Theme: Rural and Urban Interaction

The Switzerland Pavilion is located in Zone C, facing the river, adjacent to the France pavilion.

The building incorporates high-tech and nature and emphasizes the interdependence between urban and rural areas.  It is comprised of two cylinders:  The urban cylinder features 3D television screens and a giant projection screen showing the Swiss scenery; the rural cylinder features a chair lift that takes visitors to the roof of the pavilion.

The facade enveloping the pavilion is a curtain of woven aluminium under which visitors pass to access the urban area on the ground floor of the building. This curtain stores energy from the sun during the daytime and is activated at night to produce light.

One of the main highlights of this pavilion is the chair lift ride, which takes ten minutes and transports visitors from inside the pavilion to the roof garden.  The chairs are sheltered to ensure operation during rainy weather.  The roof garden, filled with flora, provides a natural landscape in contrast to the urban setting.

Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website and via Dezeen.

Expo 2010: Malaysia Pavilion

Theme: One Malaysia, City Harmonious Living

The Malaysia Pavilion is located near subway exit #3, in the center of Zone A, adjacent to the Singapore Pavilion.

The pavilion is shaped in the form of a traditional Malaysian hut and is made from recyclable plastic and palm oil.  The exterior imitates Malaysian textile printing, with colorful flower, birds, butterflies, and geometrical drawings.  After the Expo is finished, the pavilion will be donated to the county of Wuxi in China.

Inside, visitors will be able to enjoy dance performances showcasing the 47 different ethnic groups living in Malaysia.  There is also a miniature putting area for those who enjoy golf, as well as a sightseeing elevator that takes you between the two stories, designed to simulate the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website.

12-Day Air-Inclusive China Tour Starts at $1799

Wow, even I was surprised at the price being offered for this tour!

This is our Deluxe Series China Scenic tour, which normally costs up to $2649*+tax, offered as the China Scenic Winter Special, starting at $1799*+ tax.

The tour is a 12-day / 10-night, air-inclusive vacation visiting Beijing (3 nights), Xian (2 nights), Guilin (2 nights), and Shanghai (3 nights).  Price includes international air out of LAX or SFO on Air China (JFK only add $100), fuel surcharges, China domestic air, transfers, 5-star accommodation throughout, 25 meals (including the Peking Duck Banquet and the Imperial Dumpling Banquet), sightseeing, and special entertainment such as the Tang Dynasty Show and the Chinese Acrobatics Performance.  Also enjoy a cruise down the Li River.

And as if that's not enough, when we receive your full payment 60 days prior to departure, Travel Insurance (P3) will be included.

There are only four dates of departure for this Winter Special:
December 08, 2010
December 29, 2010
January 26, 2011
February 23, 2011

Interested in a China Winter vacation?  Click here for more information.

*Price is inclusive of fuel surcharge. Detailed breakdown of applicable tax: Federal Taxes & Fees $63 to $105, September 11th Security Fee $2.50 to $10, China domestic airport taxes $8 to $40. Tour is subject to availability. Additional baggage charges may apply. Price based on LAX/SFO departure. Price not inclusive of visas, tips, or any items of personal nature. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts, or promotions.