SWFC

The SWFC was decorated by Chinese traditional paper-cutting art works during Spring Festival (Lunar New Year). The Lion Dance sent good wishes to every guest at the SWFC during the festival. (Left: View from Sky Walk 97; Right: Lion Dance at Sky Walk 100)

The SWFC Observatory changed its decoration in March in order to share the atmosphere of spring with all its visitors. The decoration theme this season is ‘Welcome Expo 2010.’ The image of paeonia suffruticosa (the tree peony) will be widely used. It is known as 牡丹 (mǔdān) in Chinese and is an important symbol in Chinese culture. These colorful flowers and Shanghai Expo mascot Haibao (海宝) will welcome visitors from all around the world at Sky Walk 100.

On February 3, the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality held the 2010 Chinese New Year celebration party for foreign and domestic media in the grand ballroom of the SWFC. Mr. Yang Zhenwu, Director of the Publicity Bureau of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Mr. Song Chao, Director-General of the Information Office, and more than 130 correspondents and officials from domestic and foreign media attended. The Information Office introduced its plans for reporting the 2010 World Expo to the world and provided an updated contact list of government departments to the press.

From February 2-6, six luxury cars from Land Rover and JAGUAR were displayed in the event hall on the 2nd floor of the SWFC. This great functional space at the SWFC has hosted a variety of events and has become a popular venue with both visitors and employees within the complex. Past exhibitions have included car maker Mercedes, SWFC photos and other products. (Left: Land Rover and Jaguar Exhibition; Right: SWFC Observatory Photo Contest exhibition)

It is often said that bad weather is a killer for observatories because it blocks a spectacular view. However, an amazing and breathtaking view can sometimes be seen even in ‘bad’ weather. This happened recently when the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone was shrouded in a sea of clouds, as seen here from the SWFC Observatory Sky Walk 100 on the 100th floor of the SWFC.