Ferris wheels, bungee jumping and cotton candy are returning to the city this autumn. The 2005 Shanghai Pudong World Carnival will open on September 16 and run through November 20.

Organized by Freij Entertainment Co. Ltd. from the United Arab Emirates, the fair will feature more than 40 rides, 60 percent of which are making their debut on the Chinese mainland.

The event will also include about 30 games of skill, according to the Shanghai Pudong Cultural Development Co, the organizer of the 2003 carnival, and this year's event.

"This year's event will outstrip 2003's, with newer rides, more excellent circus performances, and better service," said Song Xiaoping with the company. "The lengthy line-ups, which may remain fresh in many people's memory, will no longer appear."

Visitors will be able to book tickets through the networks of East Ticketing Company days in advance, she said.

In 2003, the first Pudong World Carnival attracted 2.11 million visitors during its 76-day run, taking in 240 million yuan (US$29 million).

The organizers said they expect to attract at least 2 million visitors this year.

(Shanghai Daily June 28, 2005)