The 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) captivated visitors from May 22-26 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. This year's event drew special attention as Jim Filbird, the viral influencer known as "MacArthur" (7M+ followers), joined GDToday reporters for an exclusive tour on May 23.
Initially expecting a conventional trade show, MacArthur expressed astonishment at ICIF's technological showcases. In Hall 13, a robotic barista serving "Lychee Latte" earned his first five-star rating: "This rivals human-made coffee!" Nearby, Shenzhen Yingwu Intelligent Technology's 100kg VolWhirl manned aircraft and Guangzhou Gaoyu Flying Car Company's autonomous flying car further impressed him, particularly praising the latter's cabin design: "I will give it a five-star. MacArthur would fly in this one!"
The tech immersion continued at Huawei's exhibition zones, where folded screen products and smart home-vehicle interconnectivity solutions showcased China's innovative edge. MacArthur's enthusiasm then shifted to Hall 10's global cultural treasures—from Middle Eastern tapestries to Nepalese handicrafts. Though humorously lamenting that there was "no space left at home" for purchases, he acknowledged the fair's cultural richness.
When asked to summarize his ICIF experience, the "Five-Star Reviewer" emphasized unexpected discoveries: "My first reaction: thumbs up. I really enjoyed the people I met here. I saw a lot of interesting cultural art and innovative technology. I really enjoyed coming here." The influencer plans to return, proving the event's growing appeal among content creators.
This fusion of heritage and futurism, coupled with MacArthur's viral endorsement, positions ICIF as a rising hub for cross-cultural tech exchange. Organizers anticipate increased international engagement as influencers spotlight the fair's dual identity—both a business platform and an innovation playground.
Reporter | Cai Minling
Video | Mai Junyu, Lv Shijun
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
