The 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, has emerged as a significant global event in 2023. Attracting participation from 154 countries and regions, the expo exemplifies a melting pot of international resources. Beyond its primary focus on commerce, the CIIE also serves as a vibrant platform for promoting diverse Chinese cultures to the world.
Spanning six themed display areas, including “food and agricultural goods” and “technical equipment,” the CIIE is a hub for business consumption. Notably, the event is distinguished by its inclusion of a vast array of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) treasures and blockbuster artworks, spread over a 3,000-square-meter space. This multifaceted approach reflects the expo’s commitment to showcasing not only commercial prowess but also the rich cultural tapestry of China.
Shanghai, a city where Eastern and Western cultures converge, is aptly chosen as the host for the CIIE. The event features a “Shanghai ICH living room” at its news center, designed to introduce the city’s Chinese characteristics to international visitors. This space houses 117 ICH projects, including exquisite handicrafts like enamel vases and purple clay sculptures, which are the legacy of local craftsmen. Visitors can also savor ICH delicacies, including 148-year-old Shen Dacheng sticky rice balls.
The “living room” demonstrates the evolution of Shanghai’s folk arts and crafts and their relevance in contemporary times. Twenty sets of creative cultural products are displayed, merging traditional styles with modern designs. These include accessories inspired by the kesi silk tapestry weaving technique and innovative purple clay pots featuring cartoon motifs. Such products, according to industry experts, create an emotional connection with traditional Chinese culture, making it more accessible and relevant to daily life.
Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has showcased 710 local ICH treasures, with a focus on integrating classic legacies into modern life. This initiative reflects the expo’s broader objective of making cultural heritage a tangible part of contemporary living.
Beyond Shanghai’s offerings, the CIIE also highlights cultural legacies from other Chinese provinces and cities. Yunnan Province presents unique paper cuttings from the Yi ethnic minority and exotic Shangri-La incense. Jiangsu Province showcases yunjin brocade from Nanjing, with intricate patterns displayed on traditional garments. These exhibits not only captivate international visitors but also serve as a testament to the ingenuity and diversity of Chinese civilization.
The CIIE’s culture-sharing platform extends to international exhibitors as well. For instance, a Pakistani exhibitor brought a camel leather lamp, a 900-year-old craft, highlighting potential collaborative opportunities with Chinese artisans.
The 6th CIIE also introduces a “culture and arts” section, featuring works from renowned artists like Henri Matisse, Yoshitomo Nara, and Zhang Daqian. This initiative is supported by China’s “free tax display trade” policy, facilitating international art and culture trade. This approach is indicative of China’s efforts to foster a more inclusive and diverse cultural exchange, enhancing the CIIE’s status as a confluence of global commerce and cultural heritage.
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