An exhibition zone dedicated to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies will be launched at the 2026 China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), as Shenzhen prepares to host APEC meetings in November.
The fair, one of China's largest cultural industry events, will run from May 21 to 25. Organizers said the APEC exhibition zone will highlight tourism, cultural products, heritage crafts, and food from across the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation.
ICIF 2025
This year's fair will feature 6,312 exhibitors and more than 120,000 products, including 310 international exhibitors from over 65 countries and regions. The main exhibition venue is at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, with another 51 satellite venues across the city.
ICIF 2025
At the main venue, three general halls will house exhibitions organized by delegations from provinces and cities across China. Specialized halls will focus on sectors such as international cultural trade, cultural heritage and innovation, arts and fashion, and culture and technology, etc.
Leading Chinese brands and institutions are set to attend, including designer toy brand Pop Mart, Shanghai Animation Film Studio, streaming platforms iQIYI and Tencent Video, and major museums such as The Palace Museum and the National Museum of China.
A food zone at the main venue will feature regional specialities, heritage dishes, and long-established brands from across China, offering visitors another way to experience the country's culinary diversity.
Alongside the fair, Shenzhen will host a citywide ICIF art festival featuring 10 world-class productions. Visiting ensembles include the Mariinsky Orchestra under Valery Gergiev and the Royal Opera Orchestra of the Palace of Versailles.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photo | ICIF
