Organizers of the Shanghai World Expo say the mega event will feature an online version for the first time in the Expo's 158 year history.

The webpage is expected to be ready by the end of this year. It will offer virtual visitors a 3D lifelike experience and real-time interaction. It aims to be a global platform, allowing everyone an online presence at the Expo.

With Web3D and multimedia technologies, Expo Online will build a virtual park version of the 5 square kilometer 2010 Expo site and hundreds of pavilions in 3D. This will allow visitors to interact with and watch online broadcasts of events with just the click and drag of a mouse.

Organizers say Expo Online is expecting more than 100 million views. The web-site will be preserved after the Expo ends, creating an everlasting virtual exhibition for future generations.

(CCTV June 15, 2009)