China Post today issued a commemorative stamp to mark the 500-day countdown to World Expo 2010 Shanghai. The stamp pictures the Shanghai Expo emblem and China Pavilion. The stamp's price is 1.2 Yuan (17 US cents). The Shanghai Philatelic Corporation also issued a First-Day Cover in the city for the 500-day Expo countdown. Stamps will be available around the country. Meanwhile, Shanghai tourism authorities issued a booklet in time for today's 500-day countdown to the event that calls on its staff to better prepare for World Expo 2010 Shanghai by improving service and foreign language skills.

The booklet, launched by the Shanghai Tourism Bureau, mainly covers Expo-related knowledge and what local tourism staff can contribute to the Expo. It is compiled by Expo Magazine officials, which also includes a chapter "Expo and tourism industry."

About 250,000 employees in the tourism industry will receive training in preparation for Expo 2010. People in the tourism field will do their utmost to provide the best service at Expo 2010, Dao Shuming, director of the city's tourism bureau said.

Zhu Yonglei, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said high-level service for tourists was one of the most significant prerequisites for the success of any Expo.