The theme of Shanghai Expo is "Better City, Better Life". It is the first time in the history of World Expos to take city life as the theme. During Shanghai Expo period, governments and peoples of various countries will, centering around this theme, fully display the achievements of civilization of cities, exchange experiences in city development, disseminate advanced belief of the city, and further explore brand new modes of living, life and work in the new century, to provide vivid examples for the building of eco-harmonious society and sustainable development of the mankind.

Shanghai will, centering round this theme, combine the hosting of Shanghai Expo with championing excellent cultural tradition of the Chinese nation, inheriting the historical culture of the city and with cultivating city spirit to enhance the comprehensive quality of the citizens and encourage respectful behavior in the city. At the same time, Shanghai will stress the concept of science and technology, ecology, humanities, etc., further broaden the connotation of the theme of "Better City, Better Life" and further improve the ways of exhibition and display of Shanghai Expo, to make Shanghai Expo a platform of exhibiting economic, scientific and technological achievements, and a platform of cultural and art exchanges and a platform of facilitating international exchanges.