The 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) concluded on May 25 in Shenzhen, highlighting China's growing efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into the cultural sector and expand the global footprint of its cultural products.
The five-day fair drew 310 overseas exhibitors from 65 countries and regions, as well as more than 35,000 international professional buyers, organizers said.
As one of China's largest cultural industry fairs, this year's ICIF featured more than 120,000 cultural products, with 6,312 institutions and companies participating online and offline. Total attendance at the main venue and citywide satellite events surpassed 2.8 million.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a defining theme. More than 200 major AI companies, including Huawei, Tencent and Alibaba, showcased cutting-edge applications ranging from AI-powered eyewear and humanoid robots to AI content-generation tools and virtual film production technologies.
Interactive attractions such as robot bands, human-machine dance performances and mixed-reality exhibitions drew large audiences.
The fair also prioritized global outreach for Chinese cultural products. A newly launched cross-border e-commerce exhibition zone brought together platforms including JD Logistics and DHgate to support cultural exports. Organizers also held a series of international matchmaking events to promote Chinese online literature, dramas and video games worldwide.
In another first, the fair unveiled a dedicated APEC economies exhibition zone ahead of the APEC meetings scheduled to be held in Shenzhen this November. Official delegations from APEC economies showcased tourism products, cultural heritage items and cultural trade projects.
Pop culture and lifestyle products remained major crowd-pullers. Animation, gaming and e-sports zones attracted large numbers of young visitors, alongside trendy toys such as Pop Mart products, designer merchandise and regional food stalls from across China.
To strengthen its business and trade functions, the main venue hosted more than 260 supply-demand matchmaking sessions, roadshows and product launches. Meanwhile, more than 400 events were held across Shenzhen's 51 satellite venues during the fair.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photo | ICIF
