With the conclusion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Shanghai has preserved the iconic ‘one axis and four pavilions’: the Expo Axis, China Art Palace (formerly the China National Pavilion), the Expo Theme Pavilion, the Expo Center, and the Expo Culture Center (now known as the Mercedes-Benz Arena). The Saudi and Italian Pavilions have also been retained, with the Saudi Pavilion renamed to ‘Moon Boat’. Additionally, several former African pavilions have been transformed into a family-friendly Chocolate Happy Land. However, unlike the bustling scenes of 2010 where popular venues required hours of queuing to visit, the Expo Park is now noticeably quieter, with the China Art Palace being the only venue with a higher daily influx of visitors.
The China Art Palace is divided into four floors and houses 27 exhibition halls. It currently boasts a collection of nearly 10,000 pieces, covering various stages of the development of Chinese art in the 20th century. A must-see here is the dynamic version of the ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival’ painting, and you can also explore the lifestyle and charm of Shanghai through the ages. The Expo Axis, a massive单体 project within the Expo Park, is set to be preserved according to the overall plan for the subsequent use of the Expo Park. The Pudong section will be retained in its entirety, and the Expo Axis will be transformed into a comprehensive commercial center, providing transportation, leisure, dining, and entertainment services for the surrounding hotels, office buildings, and visitors to the various exhibition halls. The former Expo Theme Pavilion will become an exhibition and event venue, organizing and hosting various exhibitions, large conferences, business activities, cultural performances, and sports events. The Expo Center will be developed into an International Conference Center, while the Mercedes-Benz Arena will serve as a large-scale comprehensive performing arts venue, capable of hosting major concerts, as well as featuring an ice rink, cinema, and other entertainment options. If you get hungry, there are also dining facilities available. The Moon Boat (originally the Saudi Pavilion) showcases projects such as the rooftop garden, treasure theater, and art corridor, maintaining the display content from the Saudi Pavilion during the Expo and presenting the history, culture, and customs of Saudi Arabia in their authentic form to visitors. The Italian Center is inspired by the traditional Shanghai game ‘Pick-up Sticks’, composed of 20 irregular, modular functional units representing the 20 regions of Italy. The entire pavilion resembles a miniature Italian city, filled with alleys, courtyards, paths, squares, and other traditional Italian urban elements. Visiting the current Expo Park does not require a rushed pace; you can slow down, take your camera, and capture all the scenes at your leisure. However, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring some water and snacks, as there are not many shops within the park anymore.Opening hours: Open all day throughout the year.
Service facilities: Parking lots: [Temporary parking lot on Dongjiadu Road of the World Expo (Huangpu District), Temporary parking lot on Longhua East Road of the World Expo (Luwan District), Temporary parking lot on Zhaofeng Road of the World Expo (Xuhui District), Temporary parking lots on Linpu Road, Yaolong Road, Changqing Road, Yanggao South Road and Chengshan Road of the World Expo (Pudong New Area)]. Reference price: Paid, 20 yuan per day.
