31 October 2010Last updated at 10:45

In pictures: Shanghai expo

Visitors enter Turkey's Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo site, Shanghai, China, 31 October

After playing host to more than 72 million visitors over the course of six months, the Shanghai Expo is closing its doors. China declared its biggest ever tourism event a stunning success.

A queue of visitors at the Shanghai World Expo site

China spent 28.6bn yuan ($4.3bn; £2.7bn) on the event and many billions more on infrastructure projects for Shanghai, including expanded subway lines and a new domestic airport.

A visitor takes souvenir picture in front of the China Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo site, 30 October

The Expo has given China an opportunity to showcase its rise as a modern industrial power and its growing influence around the world.

Children play with water near Finland's Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo site, 31 October

The theme of the Expo was "Better City, Better Life" and the displays by 189 countries were meant to illustrate ideas for urban sustainability.

Visitors sit on a roller-coaster on top of the Swiss Pavilion against the sunset at the Shanghai World Expo site, 31 October

The huge fair drew mainly Chinese visitors, many from neighbouring provinces, who got a taste of foreign cultures and ideas.

Visitors queue up to enter the Serbia Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo site, 31 October

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao told the closing forum: "The success of the Expo has strengthened China's confidence and resolve to pursue reform and opening up."

Chinese paramilitary police officers break up two visitors as they fight in the queue for the entrance to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, Shanghai World Expo, 30 October

Visitors have had to wait for up to 10 hours for some of the more popular pavilions. Here, police break up a fight in the queue for the Saudi Arabia Pavilion.

Visitors walk on a bridge connecting to Sweden's Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo site, 31 October

Most of the structures built for the Expo must be dismantled and recycled or disposed of. Some pavilions will be moved elsewhere to serve as museums or landmarks.

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In pictures: Shanghai expo

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