THE Shanghai government is soliciting public opinion on a master plan for 2040 which aims to develop an "excellent global city." Urban development blueprints covering population, the environment, transport and public services are on display at the Shanghai Urban Planning and Exhibition Center until September 21.

"By 2040, Shanghai aims to become an excellent global city, an international economic, finance, trade, shipping and scientific innovation center, as well as a cultural metropolis," said Zhuang Shaoqin, director of the city's planning, land and resources administration. In short, he added, it will become an "innovative, humanistic and eco-friendly city."