Good news for those planning to attend the Shanghai World Expo as staying at hotels will not just be the only option.

 

A home-stay program has been launched which will offer visitors both accommodation and immersion in Chinese culture.

After several months of evaluation, Ms. Sun has been given the go-ahead to offer home stay accommodation during the Shanghai World Expo. She's put up decorations bearing Haibao, the mascot of the event along with other traditional Chinese emblems.

Sun Chang'an, Participant, Expo Stay Program, said, "I have painted traditional Chinese pictures on dozens of fans and plan to present them to overseas friends. Fans in these round shapes reflect the idea that the whole world is a family."

As the only family in her community to offer home-stay accommodation, Sun's home has now become a rallying ground for warmhearted neighbors.

These traditional paper-cuts are made by neighbor Ms Hu. She's sending some on to Ms Sun. The two ladies are also planning to teach Chinese painting and paper-cutting to visitors.

Hu Xiaoping, Ms. Sun's Neighbor, said, "This is the magnolia flower, Shanghai's official floral emblem. And this is the famous oriental pearl TV Tower. Plus the mascot Haibao and pigeons, the picture is welcoming friends around the world to Shanghai."

With up to 70 million visitors expected to attend the Shanghai World Expo, hotels are expecting an overload in demand.

Organizers say the home-stay program is an ideal choice for those who want to have a unique experience during their stay.