Shanghai throws lavish party to close World Expo

(GETTY)

Shanghai wrapped up its record-breaking World Expo yesterday with a lavish display of Chinese national pride.

More than 72 million visitors to the six-month event have been treated to a wide variety of cultures and technologies focused on the theme "Better City, Better Life" in the biggest, most expensive expo since such events began with London's Great Exhibition of 1851. China spent 28.6bn yuan (£2.7bn) on the event and billions more on the city's infrastructure.