EXPOnential Shanghai: Japanese Toilets, Custom Goods, Passport

“Most Comfortable Toilet In The World”

The Japanese Pavilion is known as the “Most Hi-Tech Pavilion” among netizens. Not failing to live up to its name, one of its exhibits is labeled as the “most comfortable toilet in the world”. And its price for being just that? Simply a cool RMB 60,000.

“When you approach the toilet, its lid will open automatically. When you stand up after using it, the lid will close and the toilet will flush automatically,” explained by a staff member. And oh yeah, this toilet can deodorize itself. That’s really helpful.

Here’s a testimonial from a Beijinger: “I found it comfortable the way the warm water was sprayed.” 

Also, while you’re at the Japanese Pavilion, why not check out the Murasaki restaurant? Diners can avail of the single set course for RMB 3,000. And that’s excluding drinks.

So what is the menu description exactly?  

One type of multi-course menu is offered (dishes selected by the chef). Summer menu is served May to July; Autumn menu from August to October.

Lovely.

Customs goods entering China over USD 900M

Since September 26, 2008, which was the first Expo-related customs entry, the Shanghai World Expo Customs has examined 1880 receipts, worth over USD 900 million.

From May 1 to 11, they have accumulated  275 receipts, worth USD 50 million, including Egypt’s gold Pharaoh mask and other museum treasures.

Stamp Groups: 42 chops in a day!

They swift past pavilions armed with a huge bag (inside with several passports aside from the handful they’re holding). They do not bother checking out the exhibits and performances. They just go straight to the most important part–the passport reception area.

To be able to collect chops in the fastest time, they come up with a variety of ways to do this. But the one thing in common among them is that they arrive at the Expo Garden armed with a strategic plan.

The battle starts 9.30pm. You will be able to recognize these overzealous stamp collectors by the determined look on their faces. By 8pm, reporters caught up with a woman walking by herself. “Today, I collected 42 stamps. Someone offered to buy them from me at a high price. I turned him down ofcourse!”