*According to BIE regulations, a government wishing to host a World Expo may submit its candidacy application maximum of 9 years and minimum of 6 years before the proposed date of opening.

2001-2002: Bidding phase and international campaigns by candidate countries for 2010 Expo:

• China (Shanghai)
• Mexico (Querétaro)
• Poland (Wroclaw)
• Russia (Moscow)
• South Korea (Yeosu)

December 3, 2002: China is elected as Expo 2010 host at the 132nd General Assembly by the BIE member states through a vote by secret ballot

September 7, 2005: Chinese government submits its Expo registration dossier to the BIE

December 1, 2005: the Expo registration dossier is approved by the 138th BIE General Assembly

2005 - 2010: Preparation phase

May 1 – October 31, 2010 (184 days): Expo!