Major architectural competitions were held by many countries to design their pavilions, resulting in a host of world-class, buzzed-about buildings. The U.K.’s “Seed Cathedral” is a 65-foot tall cube covered in thousands of translucent acrylic rods filled with seeds. Italy’s pavilion draws inspiration from the Shanghai game “Pick-Up Sticks” to imagine a 21st-century city of alleys, courtyards and plazas. The popular Netherlands pavilion is composed of 26 houses built on stilts along a pedestrian street curved in a figure-8, a lucky number in Chinese culture.

Though it is extremely difficult to obtain, Remote Lands has successfully secured VIP access to some of the most popular pavilions for prominent clients. They have also enjoyed eco-friendly electric buggies, in high demand but scarce supply on the vast Expo grounds, which span roughly three square miles. Our prized specialist in contemporary art and design personally guides our clients throughout the site, illuminating the inspiration behind each pavilion and behind-the-scenes insight into its design and construction. 

Beyond the Expo itself, Remote Lands’ bespoke travel in Shanghai includes a private tour with a renowned expert in the city’s architecture and a walking tour with a specialist on the little-known history of Jews in Shanghai. With a contemporary art expert, explore the brand-new Rock Bund Art Museum, which just opened last month. Visit 1933 Shanghai, a gigantic Art Deco-era slaughterhouse repurposed into a thriving cultural center and one of this year’s hottest spots. And for the adventurous, get a thrilling street-level view – literally – from the vantage point of a speeding motorcycle sidecar.