USA Pavilion at launches virtual tour at Expo

The USA Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai Expo launched a virtual tour at http://pavilion.expo.cn/c5001/ssize/en/index.html on June 22, which gives a global audience a glimpse of the pavilion.

"World's Fairs are about creating enduring ties, and Expo 2010 is building a stronger relationship between the United States and China. This virtual tour will enable us to share those positive energies with those who are unable to visit the Pavilion in person," said U.S. Commissioner General José H. Villarreal.

The 2010 Shanghai Expo is the first World's Fair to host an online platform that allows viewers to take a glimpse of all of the pavilions. From the U.S. site, visitors also have the opportunity to virtually tour any of the other country pavilions that are available.

The virtual tour, a joint project from the USA Pavilion and the U.S. Department of State, closely resembles the actual USA Pavilion.

Highlights of the virtual tour: Act I, features an abbreviated greeting from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. President Barack Obama; In Act II, visitors can test their knowledge of American culture, history and entertainment through a quiz, which may even challenge a few Americans; Act III showcases the many U.S. companies that have sponsored the Pavilion.

At over 60,000 square feet (6,000 square meters), the USA Pavilion is one of the largest national pavilions at the Expo.

By People's Daily Online