Doing their bit, localities contribute to making expo a success
Print Edition
All 14 towns in Minhang District are geared up for the first China International Import Expo next month, which will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in neighboring Qingpu District.
The November 5-10 event is being heavily promoted as China’s latest signal to the world that it is open to liberalized global trade. It is a signature event to demonstrate China’s open market policy toward the world.
Some 2,800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions have confirmed their participation in the event.
Minhang earlier set forth 56 projects and 93 programs to be accomplished in the 100 days leading up to the expo. Its contributions to the success of expo span a variety of realms.
The environment
The Hongqiao Business Hub has cleaned up seven main river lanes around the expo area, including the Beihengjing, Zhangzhengpu and Huacaogang rivers. The China Art Academy designed the landscaping along riverside corridors.
Water treatment has been enhanced, and storm water pipes have been upgraded since the project began last April. Water quality has been improved, with evidence of that already collected from Beihengjing River.
Better water quality was a core target in the third round of a three-year environmental action plan for Minhang. The Hongqiao Business Hub plans 10 water-related projects to the west of Hongqiao Airport, including a water sports center, a water park and a wetland park.
In terms of improving the urban environment, the district has upgraded the street-lighting system and overhauled public toilet facilities. Sanitary workers in the Xinhong community attended a rally where they took an oath to maintain the environment during the expo.
The Shanghai Greenery and Sanitation Administration Bureau have also replanted greenery and flowers along streets.
“We chose plants like cherry trees, heather, red maple and gingko to add color to 12 main streets,” said Lin Jing, director of the administration. “As the weather turns colder, the leaves turn color. Though the effect wouldn’t last long, the result is stunning. Each road has its own character.”
Wu Lingfeng, the vice director of Minhang Greenery Office, said, “We are the first in the city to plant roses and purple Mexican sage in mass. The result is eye-catching.”
According to the Nanhongqiao Investment & Development Co, street design was inspired by the Champs Elysees in Paris, where stores peek out from behind trees.
Hongqiao Town has renovated the appearances of stores, office buildings and greenery. Some 24,400 shop signs in the district were re-evaluated. Those deemed unsightly were pulled down.
“Huacao and Qibao towns and the Xinhong and Hongqiao communities are four key areas,” said a staffer from The Shanghai Greenery and Sanitation Administration Bureau. “Shop signs of markets, hotels, factories, housing estates and public facilities were examined.”
Buildings in the principal expo area were required to use the same colors. Air conditioners hanging outside of windows were cleaned up as well.
“Driving along Yan’an Road, you can see how much the look of the street has improved,” he said.
Multiple Events
The Hongqiao Business Hub organized three themed events to highlight its image. The town government opened an office to take charge of promoting its image as a business-friendly town that emphasizes on high-quality products and provides residents a happy living environment.
The office hosted the first Wuzhong Road Shopping Festival. The Mixc and Aegean shopping centers organized 11 events with Laowai Street, and vendors on Wuzhong Road took pains to attract consumers to shopping there.
The Xinhong community has held more than 20 events related to the expo, making sure that all residents were considered in weekly events.
Security and emergency
Hongqiao Town worked with other departments to inspect every hotel in the broader expo area, ensuring that they will provide top services for guests. The Hilton, Skyforune Boutique Hotel and Highton Hotel were among those reviewed.
The Minhang Urban Management and Law Enforcement agency set up an emergency response plan. The agency will add another 123 staffers to cover areas around the national exhibition center, the core of the Hongqiao Business Hub and the Hongqiao Transportation Hub. The extra personnel will mainly be responsible for night patrols.
The district worked with law enforcement from Changning, Qingpu and Jiading districts to further enhance security along district borders.
Helpful volunteers
More than 10,000 volunteers will be providing services in the Xinhong community. They took classes in etiquette and basic knowledge on expo. About 300 of them will be assisting in traffic control in the Xinhong community during the event.
Volunteers also set up four Party service stations in crowded areas like the Hongqiao Transportation Hub. Even food deliverymen have been instructed on how to provide directions to visitors. Other volunteers will patrol neighborhoods and try to resolve resident conflicts and maintain community harmony.
Easier transportation
In the past half year, Minhang has mounted 250 electronic display boards in bus stations in the Gumei community. Commuters can now get real-time information about arrivals and departures. Some 74 electronic boards have been installed in bus stations around the National Exhibition and Convention Center.
“People can check information about bus route on their phones,” said an elderly passenger surnamed Wang. “But for us elderly who don’t have good sight or don’t know how to operate a mobile phone, the new electronic boards are a godsend.”
Apart from transportation information, the board also give information on public weather alerts.
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