Expo Shanghai Online, the first-ever program in Expo history offering the fun and the experience of the 2010 Expo via the Internet, has clinched its domain name at www.expo.cn, the organizer announced yesterday at a seminar in Paris, France.

Although the Website has been online, Expo buffs may still have to wait some time before they can view the three-dimensional images of the pavilions.

Everything will be available from May 1, 2010 upon the opening of the Expo, but it is expected to go partly live with a two-dimensional image of the Expo site soon on a trial basis.

Those who log on will be able to "walk" to every corner of the Expo site, check out some of the exhibitions and watch performances.

So far 166 participants have confirmed participation in Expo Shanghai Online, of whom 21 will develop virtual spaces and virtual exhibitions by themselves.

Vicente Loscertales, secretary general of the International Expositions Bureau, hailed the online Expo as "a milestone and a turning point" in world expositions' 150-year-plus history.

The program will generate substantial values for the Expo itself as well as the participants and future Expos, Loscertales told the seminar which attracted more than 70 delegates from 29 countries and international organizations.

Organizers hope to make 2010 World Expo an everlasting event through the online channel, an extension of the real Expo.