Advanced 3D techniques will also give people access to virtual versions of the pavilions, as well as exhibitions by 18 corporations, 31 Chinese provinces, autonomous region and municipalities, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, 242 countries and the 50 UBPA demonstration sites.

Access to online pavilions are categorized funtionally by two types – the Browsing Pavilion and the Experiencing Pavilion. The Browsing Pavilion basically replicates on the Internet the physical pavilion and its exhibits. The Experiencing Pavilions, as set up by participating nations, can put up displays not found in the physical version of the Expo, and give more options to online explorers, like "picking up" an item to have a closer look.

No website would be complete without online games; playing against Haibao allows virtual visitors to learn even more about the World Expo.

Aspects of Expo Shanghai Online were launched ahead of the real Expo's schedule, on November 12, 2009. The full bells 'n' whistles version will be officially accessible on May 1, 2010, with all online pavilions inaugurated, including "virtual attendance" at the international gala. When the curtains go down on the real Expo, the website will still be available, with an aim to make it "an everlasting Expo."