An annual carnival in Shanghai remained closed during its opening day yesterday despite weeks of advertising.

Organizers of the Global Carnival, set to open in Pudong's Lujiazui, said the opening was delayed for safety reasons.

Company officials said the carnival's opening was affected by recent storms that delayed the arrival of some parts in Shanghai.

"The most important thing is to consider the safety of visitors," said a company spokesperson, who would only give her family name as Song. "Officials are examining the safety of the rides. I can't tell you the exact date when the carnival may open."

Tickets for the carnival organized by the Shanghai Pudong International Culture Development Corporation Ltd were already on sale. A ticket agent even offered to sell some yesterday afternoon.

But barricades and printed signs greeted angry visitors. The signs simply said the opening would be delayed and provided no more details. "They didn't tell me it would be closed," said Yue Zhiqiang.

Yue had travelled from Changchun of Northeast China's Jilin Province to visit Shanghai and called to find out about the carnival two days before.

Standing in front of the barricades with another hundred or so frustrated visitors, Yue said he would not likely return to the carnival.

Across the parking lot, behind the gates of the desolated but already built carnival facilities, a giant television screen was turned on and lights shone brightly above the empty rides. A Ferris wheel stood tall but immobile in the background.

(China Daily September 29, 2005)