The 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), running from May 23 to 27, is underway at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao'an District. The fair showcases over 120,000 cultural products from across China and features 302 exhibitors from 60 countries and regions, both online and offline. Here's your guide to the highlights.
Cultural Industries Hall A (Hall 9)
Here, visitors can enjoy a one-stop experience of cultural industry highlights from various regions in China. The Gansu Pavilion showcases Dunhuang elements like the "Nine-Colored Deer" and "Flying Apsaras." At the Tianjin Pavilion, traditional folk arts such as Clay Figurine Zhang and Yangliuqing nianhua (New Year painting) take center stage, with live demonstrations by artisans and hands-on experience for visitors.
Meanwhile, the Shaanxi Pavilion features walls covered in Tang Dynasty poetry, the Taiwan Pavilion recreates retro street scenes with large sky lanterns, and the Guangxi Pavilion offers an immersive ocean landscape.
China National Archives of Publications and Culture Pavilion (Photo provided to GDToday)
International Cultural Trade Hall (Hall 10)
This hall focuses on the development of cultural import and export trade. The Creative China section is a highlight, featuring over 300 creative products from institutions like the Palace Museum. Shenzhen's original dance drama "Wing Chun" and related cultural products will also be on display.
Booth of Zizai Group (Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Creative China section (Photo provided to GDToday)
Many cultural products from overseas gather in this pavilion. Noteworthy is that the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world's largest book fair, made its debut at ICIF, bringing a selection of unique books to the expo.
Cultural Industries Hall B (Hall 11)
This hall also presents the development of cultural industries in cities across the country. At the Nanjing booth, visitors can admire a 3D-modeled incense burner from the Qing Dynasty, interact with Han Dynasty terracotta figurines, and explore virtually the ancient Nanjing city with VR devices.
Nanjing booth (Photo provided to GDToday)
The Jiangsu Pavilion displays Yao embroidery applied to the game skins from "Honor of Kings," handmade lotus sachets, and traditional Xuzhou incense sachets.
Furthermore, the Shanghai Pavilion features memorabilia from the hit TV series "Joy of Life 2," while the Hubei Pavilion presents a replica of the Yellow Crane Tower.
Hubei Pavilion (Photo: GDToday)
Intangible Cultural Heritage · Art and Crafts Hall (Hall 12)
Hall 12 is a treasure trove of live performances by intangible cultural heritage inheritors and iconic time-honored brands. This year, the fair features a dedicated area for intangible cultural heritage foods, offering tastes of Tianshui Malatang (literally meaning a numbingly spicy hotpot), which took China by storm this year, as well as Zhoucun pancakes, Dezhou braised chicken, Wufangzhai zongzi, Lao Wan Cheng sour plum soup, Macao's butter cake, and Goubuli buns.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
The GHM Greater Bay Area Hall (Hall 13)
With 20,000 cultural products from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, this hall showcases high-tech achievements like digital immersive Dunhuang exhibitions and museum digital avatars. Visitors can also enjoy intangible cultural heritage performances like the cyberpunk-style Yingge Dance and savor Lingnan cuisine.
(Photo: Kaikei)
(Photo provided to GDToday)
Film and Television · Publishing · Copyright · E-sports Hall (Hall 14)
Gamers should head to Hall 14! For the first time, the fair features an exciting e-sports section with global game premieres and related events, such as Street Fighter tournaments, NBA BOX virtual basketball experiences, cosplay parades, and anime celebrity signings. The hall also explores AI and the metaverse in the cultural industry.
(Photo: GDToday)
(Photo: Kaikei)
Cultural Tourism and Consumption Hall (Hall 15)
This hall highlights historical sites, cultural blocks, and themed towns, and the intangible cultural heritage food section is a must-visit.
For instance, at the Bao'an Pavilion, you can try skiing on a 19-meter slope and enjoy a coffee brewed by a robot. The Shandong Pavilion features Hanfu with Heze peony elements, peony-themed handcrafts, and Zibo barbecue. The Qinghai Pavilion offers wild caterpillar fungus, yak jerky, Kunlun snow chrysanthemums, Qaidam goji berries, and highland organic quinoa.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
(Photo: GDToday)
Art · Design · China Chic Hall (Hall 16)
This hall exhibits famous paintings, sculptures, and artworks. In addition, the hall also offers a chance to view European warmblood sport horses and British Shetland ponies up close, virtual horse-riding experiences, and equestrian knowledge quizzes.
(Photo: GDToday)
Date: Until May 27
Hours: 9:30 to 18:30, May 23-26; 9:30 to 18:00, May 27
Admission: 60 yuan (A ticket is valid for one day only)
Booking: WeChat mini program "文博会+" (pinyin: wen bo hui +)
Add.: No.1 Zhancheng Road, Fuhai Sub-district, Bao'an District, Shenzhen (深圳市宝安区福海街道展城路1号)
Metro: Line 12 or 20 to Shenzhen World Station (国展站) for Halls 1-12; Shenzhen World North Station (国展北站) for Halls 13-20
Reporter: Holly
Poster: Mia
Editor: Monica, James
