The design of Macau’s pavilion at the much-anticipated Shanghai World Expo has been tweaked to give visitors a more rounded experience.But officials are being tight-lipped on what will happen to the exhibit when the event ends and say a poll will be held to gauge public opinion on any future moves.
At a recent forum, other Chinese cities showed interest in dismantling and assembling their pavilions throughout the mainland after the Expo ends.

Uncertain
The main contents of Macau’s pavilion have yet to be revealed by the Office for Preparation of Macau’s Participation in the Shanghai World Expo.
Its coordinator, Ieong Pou Yee, revealed that the plan for two theatres inside the rabbit shaped pavilion has given way to “a time machine” escalator that will take visitors through five LED-screen covered levels as part of a dynamic experience including a film showing Macau’s “past, present and future”.
The escalator experience will last one minute and it will take 20 minutes to enjoy the whole pavilion.

Transparency
Another structural change to the pavilion is its windows.
Reflective glass will substitute the original transparent glass to reflect the China Pavilion demonstrating that “China is forever more in Macau’s heart”.
However, Ieong stressed that the changes have been few and within the projected budget.
Construction is expected to be completed by March 31 and, in April, several soft-opening practices and a sort of trial period will take place before its official opening in May.

Work well underway
Around 6,000 construction projects are taking place in Shanghai for the Expo, including 160 new metro station stops and the regeneration of the Bund sidewalk, where the riverside has been closed off from public access so as to show Expo visitors “a better city”.
Zhou Han Min, vice-president of the People’s Political Consultative Conference in Shanghai and deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, insists local people aren’t tired of the dust and traffic the work has brought.
“The people aren’t put off with the construction works because they will be permanent fixtures to a better life in the future. This is the time to make some sacrifices for the future and the Shanghai people are moved to play the role of warm and obliging hosts,’’ he said.
The official also claimed that Shanghai is not any more polluted than other world cities. Zhou says 90 percent of all pavilions are fully constructed.

by Kahon Chan