A corner of the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center. (Photo: Xinhua)
The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened on April 13 in Hainan, the country's southern island province. The six-day event brings together more than 4,100 brands from 71 countries and regions, marking the largest edition since the expo's inception.
As the only national-level expo in China focused on consumer goods, the CICPE reflects Beijing's continued push to open its market and stimulate domestic consumption. This year's CICPE comes at a time when global trade flows are under pressure from rising protectionism, including a renewed abuse of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
Despite these challenges, global participation at this year's expo has reached record levels. The United Kingdom, serving as the guest country of honor, is showcasing 53 brands in a 1,300-square-meter exhibition space that covers fashion, beauty, and home goods. Slovakia is participating for the first time with a national pavilion, while Brazil's São Paulo State and several other regions are launching regional pavilions.
Beijing is also participating for the first time as a guest municipality, presenting a 400-square-meter area that highlights its culture and consumer brands.
Organizers say that the CICPE aims to create a key platform to boost supply, strengthen consumer confidence, and provide global market opportunities for both foreign and domestic brands.
The expo features multiple zones dedicated to technology, lifestyle, and sustainable consumption. In Hall 1, companies such as Huawei, Tesla, and Unitree are displaying AI-powered devices, humanoid robots, and augmented reality products. Low-altitude transport is a highlight, with XPENG AEROHT's "flying car" and EHang's drones for cross-sea transport and tourism on display.
Visitors can also explore global lifestyle offerings, including luxury watches, cosmetics, and specialty foods. Technologies for healthcare and aging populations—such as brain-computer interfaces and robotic exoskeletons—are being featured for the first time.
Guangdong Province, a major manufacturing and export hub in China, is presenting over 300 items from 25 leading companies. The exhibition highlights a diverse range of products, including those from new energy, smart electronics, fashion, and traditional crafts. Notable exhibitors include DJI, OPPO, VIVO, GAC Aion, Rayneo, and Chen Liji.
Sustainability and local culture are also central themes. The event mascots, “Yuanyuan” and “Xiaoxiao,” inspired by the endangered Hainan gibbon, are designed to promote ecological awareness. Green design and tropical elements are incorporated throughout the exhibition venue.
To encourage domestic consumption, China's Ministry of Commerce launched its flagship "Shop in China" campaign alongside the expo, aimed at boosting travel, dining, and shopping nationwide.
With support from both global and local stakeholders, the CICPE is establishing itself as a leading platform for international brands to access China's expanding consumer market, solidifying its position as the largest consumer products exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region.
Reporter | Liu Xiaodi
Editor | Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
