Chongqing - With culture as a bond and industry as a driving force, Chongqing invites the world to take part. On May 21, the much-anticipated 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) — widely known as "China's No.1 Cultural Exhibition" — kicked off at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. A high-profile Chongqing delegation, including six municipal cultural units, eight districts and counties, and 12 cultural enterprises, presented a rich array of intangible cultural heritage items, creative products, digital technologies, and cultural tourism offerings under the theme "Majestic Landscape, New Rhythms of Chongqing," treating domestic and international visitors to a splendid Bashu cultural feast.

The Chongqing pavilion makes a stunning appearance at the 22nd Shenzhen ICIF. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

As a national-level, international, and comprehensive fair for the cultural industries, this year's ICIF is sponsored by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the National Radio and Television Administration, and organized by the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. With a focus on "innovative scenario implementation, cutting-edge technology empowerment, global resource aggregation, and upgraded consumption experiences," the fair has evolved from "industry display" to "value co-creation."

This year's exhibition sets new records. A total of 6,312 government-backed groups, cultural institutions, and enterprises are participating online and offline, showcasing more than 120,000 cultural products. Among them, 397 leading domestic and international brands are appearing together — a 31% increase from the previous year. The fair features eight themed halls and 34 specialized zones, including three comprehensive halls and five professional ones, covering a total area of 160,000 square meters.

The international presence has also expanded: 310 overseas exhibitors from 65 countries and regions are joining online or offline, with 148 companies from 42 countries and regions exhibiting in person. For the first time, an APEC Economic Zone has been established, along with the "Kunpeng Hui · Spring Blossom" international trade and economic exchange event, showcasing the vibrant results of multicultural integration.

Technology is a clear highlight of this year's ICIF. Dedicated zones for artificial intelligence, future tech, and digital performing arts make the fair more immersive and high-tech than ever.

In line with the fair's spirit, Chongqing has sent its strongest delegation to date. Entering the Chongqing pavilion in Hall 14 — designed by Chongqing Daily Group Cultural Exhibition Co., Ltd. — visitors are immediately drawn to its striking design.

Resembling a luminous mountain, the structure not only delivers a powerful visual impact but also features color-changing lights that can be adjusted to suit different displays or moods. The "mountain" has been artistically refined and abstracted, with an overall silhouette like an eagle's beak about to take flight — symbolizing Chongqing's enterprising, upward-moving spirit and its vibrant contemporary rhythm.

Strolling through the pavilion, visitors find themselves not just in an 8D panoramic picture scroll, but also in an experiential space where smart technology meets deep cultural heritage. The magical three-dimensional landscape, combined with drone-assisted scenery, creates a dynamic portrayal of the "Two Rivers and Four Banks, Mountainous Metropolis." The "Hero City, Red Memories" section integrates four types of experiences: physical visits, digital immersion, performing arts, and online cloud tours.

The "Majestic Yangtze River, Poetic Three Gorges" exhibition allows visitors to interact digitally with the poetry of Li Bai and Du Fu in Fengjie, the "City of Poetry." In Wushan, visitors can experience the warm companionship of the legendary Goddess Peak through IP-based designs. In Zhongxian County, they can build "Shibaozhai Fortress" with smart building blocks.

The "Wujiang Gallery, Colorful Wuling" exhibition invites exploration of the Wuling hidden realm, featuring unique Wulong colorful pottery and the national intangible cultural heritage "Mountain God" lacquerware.

The "Dazu Rock Carvings, World Heritage" exhibition presents an aesthetic revival from ancient grottoes to modern daily life. It showcases not only the exquisite craftsmanship of Dazu stone carvings but also their new life through digital modeling and AI design — solemn statues transformed into trendy blind boxes, and ancient patterns woven into fashionable silk scarves.

Other creative products include Tongnan lemon mask, Zhongxian orange blossom hand cream, Jiangjin green peppercorn essential oil, and Bencao Duofen Sapindus shampoo — all preserving the natural gifts of the Bashu region while incorporating modern biotechnology.

In total, the Chongqing pavilion brought together six municipal cultural units, eight districts and counties, and 12 enterprises. With over a hundred exhibits covering creative products, media, technology, wood carvings, stone carvings, lifestyle and beauty items, and traditional Chinese medicine, the pavilion drew a steady stream of visitors, making it one of the most popular spots at the fair.

"Chongqing's culture, hotpot, and night views have long fascinated me. Seeing this exhibition has only deepened my desire to visit. I need to plan a trip to Chongqing soon for a cultural journey across mountains and seas," said many visitors.

The 22nd Shenzhen ICIF will run until May 25.