Asia Pacific Daily News - Focus on Asia-Pacific Development, Daily News Express, Scholar Creation Center

The annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) is not only an event for promoting trade — it is also showcasing culture.

In order to demonstrate China's wide range of local cultures to international participants, as well as strengthen exchanges and cooperation between various local regions, the expo has established a demonstration area for people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the organizers said.

The area makes full use of the CIIE's four major platforms for international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchanges, and opening-up and cooperation, to create an efficient operation mechanism and giant platform for cultural promotion.

Covering more than 20,000 square meters, the area has attracted 25 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities — as well as two foreign countries of Italy and Nepal — to hold exhibitions and put on performances. In total, there are 51 domestic and overseas booths, while 49 performances by artists from seven provinces including Zhejiang, Shandong and Yunnan will be staged during the 3rd CIIE.

Scale models of buildings and architectural features from the street beside the famous West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on show at the 3rd CIIE in Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2020. [Photo/China.org.cn]

The highlight is the debut Comprehensive Image Exhibition with the theme Exchanges, Integration, Mutual Learning and Progress. The exhibition displays the socioeconomic development, innovation achievements, reform practice, business environment and city brands of various regions across China.

At the same time, Italy and Nepal are also promoting their traditional culture and intangible cultural heritage, as well as examples of their interactions and exchanges with Chinese culture.

The demonstration area is also hosting four special sections, including one that showcases intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO as well as by China's national, provincial and municipal cultural authorities. The other three sections display time-honored Chinese brands of food, medicines, fashion and handicrafts; models of various well-known pedestrianized streets across the country; and tourist attractions.

Live performances of traditional Chinese music, dances, folk arts and operas will be presented on a small stage in the area throughout the expo. Attendees can enjoy such displays as folk singing from the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, traditional dances from Yunnan province and a dragon dance from Zhejiang province.

Since its inauguration, the CIIE has invited artists from such countries as the United Kingdom, Russia, Latvia, India, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Fiji, as well as more than 10 Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, to stage over 100 performances during the first two editions of the annual event.