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THIRTY tourism routes designed to give the 70 million anticipated visitors to World Expo 2010 a flavor of Shanghai and other popular sites in China have been announced by Shanghai tourism authorities, just in time for today's 600-day countdown to the main event.

The 30 routes, designed by 15 travel agencies, will take visitors on a tour of local historic buildings, ancient towns, shopping sites and other tourist attractions.

The agencies were selected from more than 800 participants in a competition launched by the Shanghai Tourism Administrative Commission in July.

Among the packages is a tour to Sichuan Province which is recovering from the May 12 earthquake and a trip to some ancient villages.

One tour on a cruise ship allows visitors to track the footprints of Shanghai's development and learn about the traditional culture of the city.

Officials from the tourism authorities yesterday said they were confident that the routes would showcase a fantastic metropolis to visitors.

To mark the 600-day countdown, the city will hold a series of promotions today.

Also yesterday, this year's first tourism passport covering 44 old buildings in Shanghai has been issued.

The majority of these old buildings now house museums, restaurants and residences of celebrities. The first passport is designed to cater to the tastes of those interested in the flavor of old Shanghai. Visitors to sites listed in the brochure will have a seal stamped on the passport. Those who have collected the required number of seals will have a chance to win souvenirs.

Five other passports will be presented within the year. A total of 600,000 passports will be available free at information centers and some ticketing spots.

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