7 Half-Hour HD Episodes (2009)

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SHANGHAI 2010 explores Shanghai at a pivotal time in the city’s history – as it prepares to host the largest World Expo in the history of international fairs. In this six-episode series, viewers navigate through China’s most populous and cosmopolitan city, discovering today’s urban Shanghai.

Over the last decade, China has been transforming at breakneck speed as the world watches with interest, excitement, and some apprehension. Questions arise: “Will China be the next ‘superpower’?” “How does a communist society embrace capitalism?” “How is China confronting the responsibilities that come with a seat at the international table?” and, “What does modern China look like?”

To better understand the transformative movement currently taking place in China, SHANGHAI 2010 explores all corners of Shanghai. The program follows TV host Vicki Liviakis as she introduces topics ranging from the construction of elaborate country pavilions on the new World Expo grounds, to high-end hangouts with spectacular views, to Shanghai’s famous jazz scene leftover from the 1930s, and much more.

Preparation for World Expo 2010 gave this already booming metropolis—and its 19 million residents—a further development boost. Viewers see the direct and immediate impact that this six-month international extravaganza – with over 185 participating countries and 70 million visitors – is having on life in Shanghai. Even more significant, SHANGHAI 2010 is an on-the-ground look at the rapid transformation currently happening in China, and a glimpse at what lies ahead as the country continues to transform.

Production for SHANGHAI 2010 began in 2008. The following photos offer a glimpse into the content presented in this series on the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
 

Called the "Sails of Shanghai", these huge canvas canopies will keep crowds cool in the summer when they walk down the Expo Axis.

The French Pavilion is taking shape; the wire on the exterior of the building will appear to be floating when construction is finished.

What makes the Pavilion of the Netherlands unique is that instead of going into a building, you walk up a "Happy Street" of Dutch houses.
 

The China Pavilion towers over the Expo grounds at 226 feet high - that's as tall as the towers of Paris' famous Notre Dame Cathedral!

The SAIC-GM Pavilion in October, will house concept cars when the World Expo opens.
 

Luxembourg: This small country hopes to make a big impact with their national Pavilion.

This isn't a flying saucer, it's The Performance Center and it will be a permanent addition to the architecture of Shanghai. 
 

Haibao, the mascot of the World Expo, counts down the days until the Expo opens in the People's Square.

With the deadline of construction getting closer, workers are working faster than ever on what's called the "Bowl" - the Finland Pavilion.
 

As the sun goes down in Shanghai, the Sun Valleys on the Expo Axis light up!
 

Executive Chef Hu Bin of 100-year-old Laozhengxing restaurant,  shows TV Host Vicki Liviakis his signature sea cucumber dish.
 

Host Vicki Liviakis talks with Lisa Chang, president and creative director of Angle Communications.

 At age 92, Qipao Master Chu has been tailoring traditional Chinese dresses for
70 years.
 

Vicki Liviakis models her new silk Qipao.

The Holland Pavilion, under construction in May 2009.
 

"Happy Street" is the theme of the Holland Pavilion.  This model gives us a sneak peek at what it will look like upon completion.

In 1882 Monk Huigen brought five Jade Buddhas to China from Burma.  This is one of two that ended up in Shanghai.
 

Vicki Liviakis receives acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. 

Architect Teemu Kurkela describes how his National Pavilion is inspired by Finland's natural beauty.

Jean Liu-Barnocki explains the futuristic theme of the Joint SAIC-GM Pavilion: "Drive to 2030" .

Vicki Liviakis meets with two architects and the site manager of the German Pavilion.
 

This "Sun Valley" structure is part of the Axis, where visitors begin their Expo experience.

Regional GM Michel Koopman at the InterContinental Expo Hotel, which will house heads of state and other VIPs in 2010.
 

Shanghai Guide, Peter Hibbard, explains the city's colonial history on a Huangpu River Boat .

The famous TV Tower, Jinmao Tower and World Financial Center (aka "Bottle Opener") stand tall in the skies of Shanghai.

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Deputy Director Zhong of the Expo Committee discusses World Expo 2010's impact
on Shanghai.

 

Vicki Liviakis on Nanjing Lu, one of Shanghai's famous downtown shopping streets.
 

The China Pavilion is one of the few permanent Expo buildings.  When completed, it will have 7 shades of red - a lucky color in Chinese culture.

The bizarre Bazaar is a bustling marketplace in heart of Shanghai's Old Town.

Vicki Liviakis samples Shanghai's famous "Shaolumbao"--or dumplings--at the Yuyuan Bazaar.

The beautiful Yuyuan Garden is a tranquil oasis - a temporary escape from China's most populous city, at 20 million.

Talk about fresh, this Hot Pot contains simmering stock that cooks food right at the table. Each guest cooks their own.
 

This is Haibao, the mascot of the World Expo in Shanghai.  Haibao means "Water Baby" in Chinese.

Shanghai has a long jazz history and its scene is very much alive today. Famous Cotton Club in the French Concession has live music every night.

Designer of the entire Expo Site shows Vicki Liviakis blueprints of this elaborate city within
a city.
 

Vicki Liviakis and Xavier Mauerhofer, Executive Chef of New Heights, tries world fusion cuisine in Shanghai. Chef's favorite? Marshmallows!

Vicki interviews Brenda Lee, VP of Coca-Cola China, at the site of the Coca-Cola Pavilion.
 

Vicki Liviakis with Shanghai's towering skyscrapers lighting up the skyline behind her.

The June Yao Creative Team reveals some ideas for Expo 2010 merchandise that never left the drawing room.
 

One merchandise idea that did see the light of day, a talking Haibao! A favorite among kids.