Ritz Tours

12 Days Inner Mongolia Tour

2012-03-16T13:54:00.001-07:00

A special 12 days tour by Ritz Tours to visit Inner Mongolia and witness the world famous Mongol Tribe, the nomadic lifestyle and herds of horses and sheeps roaming the grassland.Taste the unique local food, enjoy Mongolian lamb dinner, and watch the graceful Mongolian singing and dancing. Stay a night in the mushroom-like yurts and see why Mongol warriors were so fearsome with their horse riding, wrestling, and archery.

Journey to Baotou and walk through Wudangzhao, a vast complex use to be the residence of the highest ranking lama in Inner Mongolia. After grassland adventure we head to Eerduosi and experience the mystical Resonant Sand Bay - sliding down from a 90 meters high and 45 degrees sand hill, one can hear the sounds like automobile and aircraft engine, a natural phenomenon nobody can explain. We then visit Zhongwei and the 108 Buddhist Pagodas range in height from 3.5 to 2.5 meters, fashioned in three shapes (pyramid, ground and vase) and arranged on a rising mountain slope in rows of increasing odd numbers to from a colossal triangle. Finally we conclude the tour to the Western Xia Museum and see the cliff carving in Helan Mountain.

The entire tour is filled with luxury hotel and delicious dining for the upmost comfort and quality in travel.

There are only two departure dates July 18 and August 8 for this tour. Enjoy $200 discount per person if book by April 15. At a price of $2699 before discount from LAX/SFO, the 12 Days Inner Mongolia tours is one of the rarest opportunity to experience Mongolia without any financial burden. For more information about this tour, please click here.

China 8 Days Scenic Special Tours

2012-02-28T13:40:00.002-08:00

The 8 Days China Scenic Special tours assembles finest points of interest in a comfortable 8 days schedule. The tours kick off with visit to Beijing's imperial monuments and the massive Forbidden City, former seat of emperors of Qing and Ming dynasty. The imposing complex is home to some of the finest imperial architecture in the country. Browse the collection of royal treasures in the Palace Museum and drive to the Summer Palace, a peaceful imperial retreat surrounded by graceful bridges, pagodas and a glistening lake. Visit the Temple of Heaven, a religious site constructed in the 15th century where emperors performed ceremonies to ensure a plentiful harvest.

While still at Beijing the tour offers the experience of the incredible heritage of China's Great Wall. Created over a period of 2,000 years, the wall was built as a defense from the marauding tribes of the north. From atop the wall, enjoy the sweeping vistas of China's rugged mountains and valleys. Beijing tour concludes with photo stops to 2008 Olympic Game venues, the Bird Nest and Water Cube.

After Beijing the tour travels south to Hangzhou, capital of Eastern China's Zhejian province and home to population of 2 million. In Hanzhou the tour will guide you through famous West Lake (Xi Hu) through a cruise and do some fish watching at the Flower Pond, visit the Winery Yard, and the poetic Lotus Pool. The journey continues to SuZhou, "Venice of the East", a breathtaking water village lined with canals, pagodas and over 100 classical gardens. Admire the ethereal beauty of Lingering Garden, visit a local silk factory to learn about the history and process of creating the delicate fabric, and drive by Tiger Hill and along the 2000 year old Grand Canal to view beautifully preserved homes and peaceful waterside scenery. Journey through Yuantouzhu Park and Lake Tai as we enter Shanghai - "Pearl of the Orient". In Shanghai we will travel through City God Bazaar, Nanjing Road - a shopper's paradise, and arrive at the Bund and stroll along the waterfront boulevard, admiring the dazzling views of Shanghai's skyline.

The entire tour is filled with luxury hotel and delicious dining for the upmost comfort and quality in travel. At a price of $1399, the 8 Days China Scenic Special tours is one of the rarest opportunity to visit China without any financial burden. For more information about this tour, please click here.

Scenic China Fall Special

2011-05-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

The best time to go to China is in September and October because the weather is so pleasant... so a 9-day, 4-city, air-inclusive luxury tour during that time for only $1398 (including all the taxes and fuel surcharge) per person is a special deal indeed! So special that we're only offering four departure dates at this price, with limited availability.

This package visits Beijing and its amazing sights, from the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace to the majestic Great Wall of China. After spending 3 nights here, fly to Hangzhou, a city of tremendous beauty, for a cruise of the famed West Lake. The following day, take a journey to Suzhou, the "Venice of the East," to admire its many classical gardens and waterside scenery. The next morning, take a ride out to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Shop at an exciting bazaar, enjoy the amazing performance of Chinese Acrobatics, and visit the spectacular Shanghai Museum during the three days spent in this city.

International airfare is from LAX departure.

Departure dates are Sep.08, Sep.22, Oct.13, and Oct.20. Limited availability so book soon!

For more information on this China tour special, please click here.

LA Times Travel & Adventure Show 2011

2011-03-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Los Angeles areas, we'll be at your local travel show. Come visit us if you have any questions or would like to pick up a brochure... or if you just want to share your Ritz Tours story. We're looking forward to seeing you!

LA TIMES TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW
March 19-20 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (West Hall) in Los Angeles, CA
Show Hours: 02/19 Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 (8:00 - 10:00 for travel agents)
02/20 Sunday 10:00 – 5:00
For discounted tickets, click here and use Promo Code SPECIAL.
The first 15 people to purchase tickets online using Promo Code EX66 will receive free tickets (plus $0.75 processing fee).

February Travel Shows

2011-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Boston or NY areas, we'll be coming to your local travel show. Come visit us if you have any questions or would like to pick up a brochure... or if you just want to share your Ritz Tours story. We're looking forward to seeing you!

BOSTON GLOBE TRAVEL SHOW
February 11-13 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, MA
Show Hours: 01/11 Friday 5:30 - 8:00 (3:30 - 5:30 for travel agents)
01/12 Saturday 10:00 – 6:00
01/13 Sunday 10:00 – 4:00
For free tickets, click here and use Promo Code: GLOBEAD11

NEW YORK TIMES TRAVEL SHOW
February 25-27 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY
Booth#236
Show Hours: 02/25 Friday (for travel agents only 2:00 - 7)
02/26 Saturday 10:00 – 6:00
02/27 Sunday 10:00 – 4:00
Get $3 off admission: Click here and use Promo Code: SOCIAL

Visiting Alexandria

2011-01-26T12:32:00.001-08:00

Although Alexandria is just a shadow of its former glory as the former capital of Egypt, this city still offers its visitors many interesting sites, both modern and ancient.

Originally founded by Alexander the Great back in 331BC, Alexandria was well known for its Lighthouse of Alexandria (also known as the Pharos), one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. It was one of the tallest man-made structures of that time at about 140 meters and was a symbol of the city. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged and destroyed by three earthquakes. Today, you can visit the Citadel of Qaitbay which was built on the ruins of the Lighthouse by Sultan Mameluke Qa'it Bay in 1480AD to protect the city from Turkish crusaders attacking by sea.

Another famous site was the Library of Alexandria, as many of the great philosophers of that time came to seek knowledge there. Sadly, the Library was destroyed and sacked during the many times the city changed hands from Rome to Byzantine to Persia to Arab control. Today, you can find the Bibliotheca Alexandrina on the site of the former Library of Alexandria. This huge modern library and research center houses many ancient texts and special exhibitions as well as a planetarium.

Other sites visitors may enjoy seeing are Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa Montazah Palace, and the Roman Theatre.

If you are considering visiting this beautiful city, join our escorted Egypt Treasures & Alexandria tour that takes you through Cairo, down the Nile River, and into Alexandria. Or take the Cairo and Alexandria city package. As with all of our tours, accommodations are 5-stars and many meals and sightseeing are included.

"In a Week" Deals

2011-01-18T16:33:00.001-08:00

Short on time but still want to travel? Take a week off to visit Hong Kong or Bangkok!

We're offering two great deals for the busy travelers:
Hong Kong in a Week
Starting from $1536 per person
This price includes all taxes and fuel surcharge, international airfare out of LAX/SFO, roundtrip airport transfers, 5 nights accommodation at the InterContinental Grand Stanford, breakfast daily, and a city tour.
Do some shopping, eat amazing food, and have a great nightlife in this bustling metropolis. Want to take a break from the big city? Visit Macau or the many other islands around Hong Kong and go hiking or sunbathing.
Click here for more details.

Bangkok in a Week
Starting from $1381 per person
This price includes all taxes and fuel surcharge, international airfare out of LAX/SFO, roundtrip airport transfers, 5 nights accommodation at the Grand Mercure Fortune, breakfast daily, a welcome dinner show, and a city tour with lunch.
Visit the lively markets and the ancient temples of this capital of Thailand. You will be delighted by the friendliness of the Thai people, rich in culture and tradition.
Click here for more details.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2011

2011-01-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

The annual, month-long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is about to begin!

Started in 1996 as a way to revitalize the retail sector in Dubai, this shopping extravaganza attracts millions of visitors with deep discounted tax-free shopping. Imported name brand items like watches and jewelry can be purchased at a discount of 5% to 50% off. In addition, visitors can participate in raffles, receive free gifts, and enjoy fireworks and fun events for the whole family.

The 2011 dates for DSF is January 20 to February 20.

Heading out there?
Ritz Tours offers a 3 day/2 night Dubai City Package at the luxurious Crowne Plaza Dubai.
Need to pair that up with international air from your departing gateway?
Call 888-345-7489 for a quote.

January Travel Shows

2011-01-06T14:43:00.001-08:00

If you're in the Bay Area, Salt Lake City, or Seattle area, we'll be coming to your local travel show. Come visit us if you have any questions or would like to pick up a brochure... or if you just want to share your Ritz Tours story. We're looking forward to seeing you!

BAY AREA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW
January 15-16 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA
Booth#804
Show Hours: 01/15 Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 (9:30 - 10 for travel agents)
01/16 Sunday 11:00 – 4:00
Click here for free admission (use promo code EXHSC)

MORRIS MURDOCK TRAVEL SHOW
January 28-29 at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, UT
Booth#314
Show Hours: 01/28 Friday 3:00 – 8:00 (1:00 - 3 for travel agents)
01/29 Saturday 10:00 – 4:00
Click here for a 2-for-1 admission coupon

SEATTLE TRAVEL SHOW
January 29-30 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall in Seattle, WA
Booth#219
Show Hours: 01/29 Saturday 10:00 – 5:00

01/30 Sunday 10:00 – 4:00

Spotlight on: Grand Hyatt Beijing

2010-12-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

Located in the heart of the city and just minutes from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Grand Hyatt Beijing has made it on both the Travel + Leisure's 500 World's Best Hotels 2011 and the Conde Nast Gold List 2011.

Feautured on our 2011 China Premiere Tours, you can enjoy a club room at this modern 5-star hotel, which offers guests award-winning restaurants such as Made in China and a 4,921 square-foot Club Oasis spa complete with a waterfall-fed swimming pool, spa treatments and an overhead virtual sky.

Winter in Dubai

2010-12-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

Trying to escape the winter chill? Here are some great reasons why Dubai is the perfect winter escape...

While some places in Europe and in the US are shoveling snow, you can relax on the beaches of Dubai in lovely 70 degree weather
Winter shopping - Lively souqs (markets) filled with Persian rugs, gold and spices
Festivals - the Dubai Shopping Festival is Jan 28-Feb 28 and from late November to February, Dubai is home to the Global Village, Dubai's most popular outdoor cultural entertainment and and shopping venue

You can go skiing in Dubai's first indoor ski resort, complete with a ski lifts, a 'black' run, a kid's snowpark and a cafe serving up hot chocolate.
Oh, and it's also the location of the newest Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Check out our tours to Dubai along with India and Egypt, now $75 off per person*

*when booked and deposited by 2/28/11

Taiwan in a Week

2010-11-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

Take a tour of the entire island nation of Taiwan, a place filled with diverse cultures and breathtaking sights.

Taiwan in a Week is a land only package that visits Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Taitun, Hualian, and Taroko National Park.

Included in this package are:
7 nights at 5-star accommodations
Transfers
Sightseeing with English-speaking guide
Breakfast daily
Post-departure (P2) insurance if full payment is received 60 days prior to departure

Tour begins every Saturday and is guaranteed with only 2 adults.
Prices start from $799 per person, based on double occupancy.

More details about this Special Offer can be found here.

Upcoming Travel Shows

2010-10-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

If you're in the Bay Area and Dallas area, we'll be coming to your local travel show. Come visit us if you have any questions or would like to pick up a brochure... or if you just want to share your Ritz Tours story. We're looking forward to seeing you!

BAY AREA TRAVEL & LEISURE SHOW
October 15-17 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA
Exhibit Hall in Building B, Booth#36
Show Hours: 10/15 Friday 11:00 – 5:00
10/16 Saturday 9:00 – 5:00
10/17 Sunday 9:00 – 4:00
Click here for a $2 off coupon
Show your AAA card to save $3

DALLAS ADVENTER IN TRAVEL SHOW
October 23-24 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX
Booth#417
Show Hours: 10/23 Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 (9:30 - 5 for travel agents)
10/14 Sunday 11:00 – 4:00
Click here for free ticket (use Promo Code: EXHFREE)

Our 2011 Programs

2010-10-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 Programs can now be found on our website.

For this coming year, we have added new destinations such as Egypt, Dubai, and Eastern Europe, as well as added new itineraries to India.

All of our packages provide you with incredible value with luxury accommodations, most meals, sightseeing, and even travel insurance. As an added incentive, if you book and deposit by 12/17/2010, you will receive an Early Booking Discount of up to $500 per person. We're even giving a Yangtze Cruise Suite upgrade on some of our Deluxe Series China tours!

If you prefer to receive a brochure in the mail, please give us a call or request brochure online.

New for 2011: Egypt, India, Dubai

2010-09-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

For 30 years, we have been providing you with luxury vacation packages at an incredible value to Asia and Europe. Now, we are happy to announce that we will be taking travelers to the fascinating countries of Egypt, India, and United Arab Emirates.

Marvel at the ancient pyramids of Giza and take a cruise down the River Nile to visit burial grouds of past Pharaos.

Egypt Discover 10 Day 8 Nights
Egypt Treasures & Alexandria 12 Days 10 Nights
Egypt Treasures & Sharm El Sheikh 12 Days 10 nights

Wander through history as you visit the architectural wonder Taj Mahal in Agra and the palaces of Jaipur.

India Discovery 8 Days 6 Nights
Enchanting India 12 Days 10 Nights
India Adventure 15 Days 13 Nights
Rajasthan Treasures 16 Days 14 Nights

Amaze yourself at the opulence of Dubai as you dine in the legendary Burj Al Arab Hotel and stroll through the colorful spice and gold markets.

Egypt Discovery & Dubai 12 Days 10 Nights
India Discovery & Dubai 10 Days 8 Nights

Itinerary and pricing online shortly. All packages are inclusive of international airfare and fuel surcharge. For a sneak peek of what's to come, please view this 2011 Preview.

Egypt packages starting from $2199+tax
India packages starting from $1799+tax
Dubai packages starting from $2599+tax

And if you book and pay your deposit by 12/17/10, you will receive a $100 early booking discount.

Call 888-345-7489 for brochures.

Expo 2010: UAE Pavilion

2010-07-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T11:55:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Expo 2010: France Pavilion

2010-07-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Theme: The Sensual City

The France Pavilion is located along the river in the middle of Zone C, adjacent to the UK Pavilion.

The pavilion features a rooftop garden, ponds, and fountains, with the walls covered in plants and birdsong piped in as well as flowery fragrance wafted in so that visitors may have a true sense of what it feels like to be in France. The pavilion is covered by a distinctive concrete trellis-like structure. Couples may choose to tie the knot in one of the French gardens, and one lucky couple will be offered a romantic honeymoon in a French castle.

On display within the pavilion are seven masterpieces on loan from the Musée d'Orsay. There are six paintings and one sculpture: "The Angelus" by Jean-Francois Millet, "The Balcony" by Edouard Manet, "The Dance Hall in Arles" by Vincent Van Gogh, "Woman with a Coffee Pot" by Paul Cézanne, "The Box" by Pierre Bonnard, and "The Meal" (also called "Bananas") by Paul Gauguin, and "The Age of Bronze" by August Rodin.

In addition, there will be classic French films being played, and visitors can enjoy delicious French cuisine at "Le Sixieme Sens" (The Sixth Sense) restaurant located within the pavilion.

Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website.

Expo 2010: India Pavilion

2010-07-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Theme: Cities of Harmony

The India Pavilion is located near the end of the Expo Boulevard, near the L2 Ferry Dock in Zone A, adjacent to the Expo Culture Center.

The pavilion has a central bamboo dome inspired by the Sanchi Stupa temple. It is designed as a zero-chemical area and its energy efficiency is made possible through the usage of bamboo, solar panels, and wind mills. The floor is made of stone and terracotta and is cooled by embedded pipes. The roofing panels are made with bamboo and herbal medicinal plants.

The entrance is through a vaulted portal with a carving of the "Tree of Life," inspired by the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad.

Due to its diverse culture, India was assigned a larger pavilion area of 4,000 square meters to showcase the rich culture and various ethnic groups, religions, and languages.

Within the dome, there is a 360-degree holographic projection depicting India's evolution over its long history from ancient times dating back to 3000BC through the medieval period to modern India.

Also featured is an Indian Market where visitors will be able to try the traditional cuisine of different regions in India. In the Shopping Arcade and Amphitheater, visitors will be able to see various trade artisans demonstrating their skills as well as cultural shows from different regions, and purchase regional products.

Pictures retrieved from the official World Expo 2010 website.

Expo 2010: UK Pavilion

2010-07-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Theme: Building on the Past, Shaping Our Future

The United Kingdom Pavilion is located along the river near the No.8 entrance, on the west side of Zone C, adjacent to the Italy Pavilion.

The pavilion is comprised of the Seed Cathedral and Wrapping Paper. The latter is an open area where children can play football and visitors can watch live performances such as ballet, opera, and drama; below it are three narrative environmental installations. The former is a large hollow wooden structure that is pierced by 60,000 fiber optic cables that blow gently in the wind, creating a dynamic effect.

During the day, these 7.5-meter-long rods draw daylight into the interior of the structure. At night, light sources inside each rod allows the entire structure to glow. Each of these transparent acrylic rods contain one or more plant seeds at the tips.

Visitors inside the Seed Pavilion can see the thousands of illuminated seeds and ponder on how such tiny seeds can produce wonders of nature and life.

The Seed Pavilion is nicknamed locally as "The Dandelion" due to its unique appearance. Once the World Expo ends, each rod and seed from the pavilion will be distributed to different schools throughout China and the UK, just like each dandelion seed are blown and spread by the wind.

The pavilion hopes to raise awareness for the Millennium Seed Bank Project, which is an international conservation project launched by the Royal Botanic Gardens in 2000, collecting seeds from all over the world to provide an insurance against the extinction of plants by storing seeds for future use.

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