The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), held from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, served as a prominent stage for Shanxi Province to spotlight its cultural heritage, tourism potential, and innovative industries. Under the theme of high-level opening-up and global resource sharing, Shanxi’s participation drew significant attention with immersive exhibitions and unique interactive displays.
Shanxi Pavilion: A Blend of Tradition and Technology
One of the most engaging attractions at the CIIE, the Shanxi Pavilion, featured an immersive and interactive experience. At its heart was the “Travel Shanxi with Wukong” interactive zone, inspired by the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong. The game’s art design draws heavily from ancient Chinese architecture and culture, with 27 of the 36 cultural sites featured in the game located in Shanxi. This creative integration of gaming and tourism promotion captivated attendees and underscored Shanxi’s rich cultural resources.
In addition to the Wukong-themed attraction, Shanxi’s landmark sites—such as the Yellow River, the Great Wall, and the Taihang Mountains—were prominently showcased on a large display screen, further amplifying the province’s tourism appeal.
Cultural Heritage and Local Craftsmanship
Shanxi’s pavilion also highlighted its deep-rooted cultural traditions through the exhibition of time-honored brands and intangible cultural heritage items. Notable examples included:
- Lu Silk by Lu’anfu Silk Group: A centuries-old silk variety originating in Changzhi and Jincheng. Showcased for the first time at the CIIE, this traditional craft combines ancient techniques with modern innovation, symbolizing the vitality of Shanxi’s cultural heritage.
- Qinzhou Yellow Millet: Renowned for its exceptional quality, this millet, produced in Qinzhou, drew interest from both domestic visitors and international buyers. With a geographical indication and widespread acclaim, it is a staple of Shanxi’s agricultural exports.
Innovative High-Tech Offerings
Shanxi also exhibited its growing capabilities in cutting-edge technology, featuring products designed to improve quality of life. A standout was the recombined human-origin collagen from Jinbo Biopharmaceutical in Taiyuan. This advanced product is essential for post-surgery recovery, demonstrating Shanxi’s progress in biotech innovation.
Building Global Connections at CIIE
The CIIE provided a valuable platform for networking and business collaborations. Over 7,000 representatives from 2,140 Shanxi enterprises participated in the expo, representing sectors such as foreign trade, manufacturing, and culture. These businesses leveraged the event to connect with global counterparts and explore new trade and investment opportunities.
On November 4, the Shanxi Chambers of Commerce Festival brought together representatives from 11 Shanxi chambers in Shanghai and other provinces. The event focused on promoting Shanxi’s business and investment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on tourism. Officials introduced major projects to attract investors to the province’s burgeoning tourism sector.
Additionally, a promotional event for Shanxi’s next-generation information technology and AI industries was held on November 6. Agreements were signed for seven new projects, with a total investment of 1.93 billion yuan, showcasing Shanxi’s commitment to fostering innovation and digital transformation.
A Wave of Progress and Global Appeal
Shanxi’s presence at the 7th CIIE exemplified its vision of blending cultural heritage with innovation. From captivating interactive displays to high-tech solutions, Shanxi demonstrated its readiness to embrace global opportunities and drive economic growth.
