Wuxi, a city renowned for its artistic and cultural charm in East China’s Jiangsu Province, recently played host to one of the most anticipated design events in China, the 18th China International Design Expo. This year, the expo showcased an impressive blend of China’s cutting-edge patented technologies and traditional-inspired gadgets that resonated deeply with the country’s cultural roots.
The Wuxi Taihu International Expo Center was buzzing with excitement as more than 500 designers representing over 300 companies and studios showcased their innovative designs. Additionally, over 300 esteemed scholars and experts converged at the venue for insightful seminars and interactive workshops. The event marked its grand return after a brief hiatus in 2022 due to the pandemic. Covering an expansive 18,000 square meters, the three-day expo was notably larger than its previous edition in 2021.
This year’s expo held special significance as it was jointly organized with China’s National Intellectual Property Administration. The collaboration highlighted the advancements in patent protection, especially in the realm of industrial design, following China’s significant move to join the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs in 2022.
Speaking of advancements, Jiangsu’s vice governor, Xu Ying, proudly shared that the province has registered a whopping 1.246 million design patents. He emphasized the expo’s role as not just a globally influential design event but also a significant intellectual property exhibition. Xu envisions the expo as a stepping stone to establish an industrial science and technology innovation hub with global influence.
One of the most notable showcases came from the Red Dot Design Museum Xiamen, which proudly displayed award-winning Chinese designs. These included marvels like the country’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains and the deep-sea manned submersible, Fendouzhe or Striver.
China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the nation’s premier rolling stock manufacturer, showcased five captivating models. Among these was the Fuxing EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) that embodies the essence of the Chinese dragon and phoenix, signifying prosperity and good fortune. Notably, the Fuxing EMU stands as the world’s first intelligent high-speed train, boasting speeds up to 350 kilometers per hour, a testament to China’s innovation in railway technology.
As attendees navigated through the expo, they encountered a blend of the modern and the traditional. A particularly popular section was “Creative Wuxi”, where a café booth stood out. Run by the creative arm of a local intangible cultural heritage clay figure brand, the café serves as a testament to how age-old traditions can be innovatively repackaged for newer generations.
Nearby, attendees were treated to beautifully designed tents showcasing modern interpretations of the Chinese zodiac, a collaboration by 34 designers from across China.
Throughout its 17 previous sessions, the expo has seen participation from over 10,000 companies and has drawn more than a million attendees. This year, the emphasis was not only on groundbreaking designs but also on celebrating products inspired by China’s rich traditional elements.
It’s worth noting that the previous expo in Wuxi had championed green initiatives, with over 90% of construction materials being recycled and reused. The city, nestled beside Taihu Lake, China’s third-largest freshwater lake, continues to exemplify the perfect blend of humanistic beauty and innovative spirit.
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