THE 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) opened Thursday at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in Bao’an District, bringing together more than 120,000 products and 6,000 exhibitors from around the world.

Running through May 25, this year’s fair spans eight halls and 34 exhibition zones, highlighting emerging trends ranging from AI and digital entertainment to museum-inspired cultural products, low-altitude tourism, and intangible cultural heritage.

More than 310 overseas exhibitors from 65 countries and regions are participating online and offline, while around 260 trade matchmaking sessions, project roadshows, and product launch events are scheduled during the five-day event.

One of the fair’s biggest draws is its growing AI presence. In Hall 16, the AI Exhibition Area, jointly created with Alibaba’s Qwen, showcases AI-powered smart glasses, intelligent hardware, and interactive applications built around the theme of “AI in Everyday Life.”

More than 50 AI ecosystem companies are participating, covering sectors including robotics, smart home devices, office solutions and wearable technology.

Digital entertainment is another highlight. Also located in Hall 16, the Animation, Gaming, and Esports Exhibition Area features Chinese animation IPs, gaming experiences, and designer toy displays. Nearby, the Digital Performing Arts Exhibition Area combines immersive technologies with live cultural productions.

Traditional culture also takes center stage across the venue. In halls 9 and 10, the Museum Cultural and Creative Products Exhibition Area gathers more than 30 museums from the country.

Hall 13 focuses on intangible cultural heritage under the theme “Tiangong Creations,” featuring traditional crafts such as embroidery, lacquerware, ceramics and tea culture. Visitors can also explore themed exhibitions dedicated to Yixing teapots, Chaozhou gongfu tea ware and Ming and Qing-dynasty furniture.

Hall 14 spotlights Shenzhen’s fast-growing low-altitude economy. Drone companies and aviation technology firms are presenting new tourism and entertainment applications, alongside VR flight simulators and youth drone racing activities.

Lifestyle and design brands also make a strong showing at the newly launched Oriental Aesthetics Fashion and Lifestyle Exhibition Area in Hall 9, where fashion, jewelry, tea culture and home design are presented through contemporary interpretations of traditional Chinese aesthetics.

(Song Yingwen)