US Shanghai Expo pavilion welcomes girl, 9, as one-millionth visitor

The USA Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai welcomed its one millionth visitor today, only one month after it opened doors on May 1.

To mark the occasion, Gu Jiawen, a nine-year-old girl from Wuxi, Jiangsu, and her family received a pair of teddy bears, traditional Texas cowboy hats and other USA Pavilion memorabilia. The family were welcomed by Ambassador Jose H. Villarreal, US Commissioner General, in front of the pavilion. This was the young girl’s first Expo visit. “I learned about Haibao and the USA Pavilion from my classmates who have been in the Expo Park,” said Gu Jiawen. “I never thought I would be the one millionth visitor to the USA Pavilion. I am so happy to be here.” In a recent poll, the USA Pavilion was named one of the most anticipated Pavilions at Expo 2010. The USA Pavilion is expected to accommodate an estimated 35,000 visitors per day, or approximately six million guests over the six-month duration of Expo. Very proud “I am very proud of what we have accomplished in the past month,” said Villarreal. “In the span of just 30 days, we have greeted visitors and dignitaries from across China and around the world, including President Hu Jintao and Secretary Clinton. And today we mark our one millionth visitor, an exciting and momentous occasion for myself, the USA Pavilion staff and the United States of America. We will continue to work hard to ensure visitors feel welcomed and at home at the USA Pavilion.” In addition to a series of multidimensional, content-rich, hi-tech presentations, the USA Pavilion also features a wide range of performances including jazz, pop, hip-hop, ska and classical music. The most up-to-date events calendar is easily accessible on the News & Events section of the USA Pavilion’s official website. At more than 60,000 square feet, the USA Pavilion is one of the largest national pavilions at the Expo. With the theme of “Rising to the Challenge,” the United States presence showcases American culture, values, innovation and business in one of China’s most dynamic cities, while celebrating the friendship and cooperation between the United States, China and the rest of the world.