From the press

Cyclists head for the Expo

A total of 26 cyclists started a 1,200-kilometer tour from Hunan province to Shanghai on May 16. The cyclists planned to cycle about 100 km a day and arrive in Shanghai on May 28, traveling through Hunan, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces. The cyclists will promote a healthy lifestyle and a low-carbon footprint while on the road. The bicycle squad will also carry gifts, including a porcelain teapot and vase, for Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Chinanews.com.cn

Banquets popular

As increasing numbers of visitors head for the Expo 2010 Shanghai, many restaurants in the Expo Garden are promoting Expo-themed banquets for weddings, conferences, networking and birthdays. Some restaurants are so popular that banquets up until September are fully booked. Some restaurants give complimentary Expo tickets to customers who book banquets in the Expo Garden. Eight Chinese cuisines, snacks from China and cuisines from about 80 countries are served in the Expo Garden. Organizers said about 70 percent of visitors are catered for at restaurants in the Expo Garden and average prices for a meal has gone down from 45 yuan to 38 yuan.

China News

Souvenirs sell quickly

Souvenirs from various countries sold in the Expo Garden are popular among visitors. Unlike the ones sold at authorized shops, souvenirs available at pavilions are unique and many of them are exclusive. A stamp with patterns of the China Pavilion and Lujiazui area in Pudong are especially popular. Staff at the Republic of San Marino Pavilion said only 300 copies of its stamp had been manufactured. Some products designed especially for Expo 2010 Shanghai have sold out.

Eastday.com

(China Daily 05/21/2010 page38)