Shanghai is predictably Expo ticket crazy

Tickets for the World Expo officially went on sale at 9am yesterday and already, peak-day tickets (tickets for the first three days and for the National Day holidays) had completely sold out.

The first ticket sold was bought through telephone by a person who called at 00:09 on July 1. The first ticket sold in person was to a 74-year-old man who had waited in line since 3am. Wow! We know old people wake up earlier, but that's pretty crazy (and we would think unhealthy) for a senior citizen.

He said he intended to go to the Expo with his wife and daughter and told reporters that "We have to see the things that will make life even better."

While you guys probably won't come close to experiencing the Expo fanaticism local Shanghainese are going through, it is probably a good idea to still book your tickets as early as possible - especially if you want to visit during a peak day, since there are now daily limits on the number of peak day tickets outlets are willing to sell.

A single-day regular time ticket will cost around 140RMB. Peak day tickets are a little more expensive at 180RMB. Both will be on sale until September 31.

You can buy them at almost any outlet of China Mobile, China Telecom, Bank of Communications or the China Post. Apparently there are 2,796 locations in the city and you're bound to live near one. If you're too busy (or lazy) to go in person, you should visit the Expo's official website at www.expo2010china.com or dial the Expo hotline: 962010. Some outlets will give you free delivery if you order more than three tickets at a time.

Source: Xinmin