Shanghai's Metro operator wants to add a little culture to the city.

A project to make 51 downtown subway stations look more pleasant and artistic will be completed before the World Expo opens next May, said Shentong Group, the city's Metro operator.

Metro officials said 51 theme walls, using different materials to showcase local traditions, history, culture and landmark buildings, will be added inside stations.

Special lighting will also be used to highlight the walls.

Line 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10 will be involved in the project.

The future Shanghai Library Station on Line 10 will feature a wall displaying ancient China's movable type printing skill.

Descriptions in both Chinese and English will be added to help passengers understand the themes, said Metro officials.

(Shanghai Daily August 14, 2009)