Record number of visitors swarm into Shanghai Expo site

Tourists queue to visit the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo Site, Oct 16, 2010. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

However, organizers did not close entrances early.

Earlier, more security personnel were assigned to quicken the speed of visitors passing through the entrances. Officials said nearly 270,000 people entered the Expo site during the first hour, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., setting a new record since May 1.

Also, many resources were put into use, including 20 more buses, 6,000 meters of fencing, and many temporary toilets. More ferry and bus shifts have also been arranged and ferry  service has been extended from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Organizers also strengthened examination and maintenance of fences outside pavilions, drinking machines, benches in rest areas, and also sped up cleaning work.  Additionally, officials informed visitors about queuing up times by using text messages.

Organizers began guiding visitors out of the Expo park at 4 p.m., as six emergency exits were opened to assist with the crowds.

An official with the Shanghai World Expo Bureau said, based upon past experience, large numbers of visitors are expected during the final month of the Expo.

Organizers had created a plan at the end of September to prepare for these crowds, including increasing available public transportation, entrances and exits, facilities, services for visitors, and adding drink and food supplies.

Huang Jianzhi, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World, said at the beginning that  200,000 daily visitors would be a great test for the organizers, but as time went by the capability of dealing with large numbers of visitors greatly improved due to continuous efforts in providing better service and through better preparations.

"We won't set limits to the number of visitors for the remainder of the regular days, though the daily numbers in the last week will be limited to 400,000 to 500,000," Huang said.

Zhang said that although they might not fulfill their goal of visiting 10 pavilions today, it would be a pity if they hadn't come.

"Seeing it with our own eyes is great, no matter how many times you have seen it on TV," she said.