Shanghai World Expo's?organizers launched ticket sales Thursday for the global gala, to be held in the Chinese economic hub from May 1 to October 31, 2010.

Each visitor can enter the area of Expo 2010 Shanghai China for only 160 yuan (US$23.40) per visit during the 184-day grand show, according to an official speaking at a press conference in Beijing.

An artist's rendition of China Pavillion at Shanghai Expo. [File photo]

The first batch of tickets, for group visitors purchased through appointed agencies only, can be booked from March 27. Individuals cannot book tickets until July 1. They can?make purchases either?through agencies beforehand or at the expo site.

Special tickets for nighttime entrance can only be bought at the expo.

With discounts during three presale periods before next May and for special groups such as students and the elderly, one can enter for as low as 50 yuan (US$7.31).

Expo organizers say ticket pricing is based on the public's acceptability, the average income of the country and regulations of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE).

"The cost on the way is?a lot?more than I need to pay for the expo ticket," says Ruan Yiting, an office worker in Beijing.

The organizer says one third of the tourists for the event will come from the Yangtze River Delta, which consists of?the metropolis?and the two neighboring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

"Shanghai is anticipating around 70 million visitors from home and abroad next year, with an estimated?daily number of 400,000 visitors," says Zhong Yanqun, vice director of the executive committee of the Shanghai Expo.

Five percent, or 4 million, of the tourists will be visitors from abroad.

The expo organizing board said it's not going to make money, but rather make ends meet during the six month-long exposition.

"A total of 10.6 billion yuan for event operations will be financed through ticket sales and further development of the tourist and service markets", according to Hong Hao, head of the expo's organizing committee.

The Shanghai Expo, themed "Better City, Better Life," will be held at the waterfront of the Huangpu River between Nanpu Bridge and Lupu Bridge, in downtown Shanghai.

185 countries and 46 international organizations have been confirmed to take part in the expo so far. In spite of the economic downturn, no participant has withdrawn from the planned exhibition.

For further information, please visit the official website of Expo 2010 Shanghai China at http://en.expo2010china.com.