In Shanghai, despite the strict security measures in place everywhere, some details appear to be more humane. Of course, after the Expo opens, if you have an Expo ticket, you won't need a pass, but security checks are still unavoidable. However, the companies responsible for construction won't be as "flexible" as we are; they must show special passes to enter and exit. If they forget to bring them, they can't enter, even if the guards recognize them. At the east entrance, a construction company manager negotiated with the security guards multiple times but was still unable to enter without the proper credentials. The manager had no choice but to call his subordinates while angrily questioning how they could not resolve such a simple issue after so much time on the project!
To smoothly pass through security, everyone knows not to carry dangerous items—doing so would prevent you from even approaching the Expo site. Security checks are conducted at every subway station, train station, and bus terminal entrance. The key question is: Can you bring suspected hazardous items? For example, fruit knives? Wouldn't it be nice to peel fruit and eat when tired during your visit?
This doesn't conflict with strictness.
Recalling an anecdote: On March 31st, during our first interview inside the park, due to the cold weather, none of us brought water. After running around for three or four hours, we were parched and couldn't find any water to buy because all the shops were still under renovation!
Given the successful security experience of the Olympics and the well-known meticulousness of the people of Shanghai, almost no one worries about the security of the Expo.
Our suggestion is: don't bring them. Starting April 1st, even fruit knives in Shanghai require real-name purchases. Although we haven't tried, bringing a fruit knife into the park is absolutely impossible—airport security checks wouldn't allow it, let alone the even stricter Expo security checks. Is the Expo security very strict? Security personnel will conduct full-body scans with detection devices.
In fact, entering the park, obtaining passes is the most headache-inducing issue for us. The registered journalist credentials for the Expo have yet to be issued. To enter the park, we must apply for temporary passes, which require reservations made three days in advance. This clearly isn't feasible given our tight interview schedule. Fortunately, the Expo authorities are relatively "lenient" towards the media, allowing us to borrow temporary credentials from local Shanghai media. During this interview, we entered the park three times, borrowing different media passes each time. A reporter from the Liberation Daily repeatedly reminded us: "Make sure to return my pass tonight; my ID and press card are both held there!"
If you want to eat fruit, bring kinds that don't require peeling. There will certainly be some available for purchase within the Expo grounds.
When we left the park, a worker carrying an oxygen tank also wanted to leave. A soldier stopped him: "Please show your exit pass." The worker frantically searched his entire body: "Sorry, I forgot to bring it." He attempted to explain further but quickly gave up, already resigned, and carried the oxygen tank back inside.
For example, besides needing a pass to enter the park, security checks are inevitable. After passing through the security gate, a detector scans your entire body, checking both inside and outside your outerwear. Compared to airport security, the soldiers responsible for Expo park security are not only conscientious and gentle in their actions but also polite, smiling as they say: "Excuse me, please come over for a security check!"
In summary, the Expo security measures are stringent but balanced with consideration for visitors' convenience and comfort.