Cultural Industries Fair concludes in Xiamen

The ninth annual Cross-Straits Cultural Industries Fair held in Xiamen, Fujian province, drew 1,700 culture companies and institutions for the event that lasted from Nov 4 to 7.

Over the past eight years, the fair has expanded in popularity as a brand event promoting exchange and cooperation in the culture and creativity sectors.

Although the main body of the event was held at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center, the fair also established 30 sub-venues across Xiamen's cultural and creativity industry parks and art institutions.

The fair certainly showed it has developed into a mature and well-rounded event with a wide range of exhibitions on show. Among the many attractions were arts and crafts displays, the work of creative designers, the presentation of digital advancements, and the advertisement of cultural tourism.

Accessibility and interactivity were focal points of the organizers and they staged a design contest for college students, dedicated a space for displaying craftsmanship from countries such as Italy, Australia and Poland, and offered visitors the chance to experience cutting-edge VR technology.

One highlight of the trade show was the display of arts and crafts. More than 1,000 exhibitors attended the fair with paintings, ceramics, wood-carvings, and jade sculptures on display.

Taiwan exhibitors showcased its distinctive tea culture and included the full range of elements necessary for tea ceremonies such as elegant tea sets, floral arrangements, and incense.

The event was sponsored by a host of important organizations including the Culture Ministry, State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Fujian provincial government, Xiamen government, and the Asia-Pacific Cultural and Creative Industry Association in Taiwan.

A stone carved ornament depicts the old riverside town of Fenghuang in western Hunan. [Photo from xmnn.cn]