Design features of the World Expo special edition of the Atlas of Shanghai

This article reviews the positioning, structure, and design of the Shanghai Municipal Atlas: Special Edition for Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Organized around Shanghai’s development over the three decades of reform and opening, the atlas emphasizes Expo 2010 and the city’s development as four international centers. Its three sections—“Entering the Expo,” “Understanding Shanghai,” and “Strolling through Shanghai”—support urban presentation, visitor guidance, government decision-making, and the expression of local culture. The compilation integrates authoritative statistics with foundational geographic data, provides parallel Chinese and English text, compares change over time and differences across cities, and uses indexes to connect thematic maps with general maps. Maps are combined with text, photographs, and charts, while three-dimensional building models depict the central city and imagery overlaid with linework represents suburban districts and counties. The binding and graphic design use ink painting, silk, shikumen architecture, and green, orange, and blue to convey Chinese culture, Jiangnan characteristics, Shanghai elements, and sectional distinctions. The author also acknowledges limitations in coverage and thematic depth caused by the eight-month production schedule.