Official Expo guide goes on sale

(AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN)

With only three weeks to go before the opening of Expo 2010, the official guide to the Shanghai Expo has hit bookstores in China.

The book is divided into six sections - exhibitions, activities, forums, landmarks, services and World Expo Online, and includes listings and information for all of the pavilions on show at the site.

The guide will be available in English, Japanese, Korean and French versions from Saturday April 11, according to the publisher.

The Chinese version costs 20 yuan (€2.19) and is available at Xinhua Bookstores and some local supermarkets.

The guide was released as workers and officials performed a test of many of the site's new facilities to mark the 30 day countdown to the official opening. The illuminations and lighting of 18 pavilions were successfully tested, whilst Chinese Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu inspected security arrangements. Over 7,000 Expo volunteers gathered to take a mass oath on April 1, pledging a successful event.

http://www.xinhuabookstore.com/ (Chinese)