China's cultural industries fair sees new cultural-tourism fusion momentum

The fusion of cultural and tourism industries in China took the spotlight at the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, where visitors were immersed in new and dynamic experiences that highlight their growing convergence.

The five-day fair, which opened on Thursday in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen, displayed more than 120,000 cultural exhibits.

During the event, delegations from all over the country presented their distinctive exhibits - from cultural relics to creative products - in traditional displays to multi-dimensional ways, all striving to create immersive, one-stop cultural-tourism experience for visitors.

A delegation from Zhongmu County, central China's Henan Province, shared its innovative approach for the cultural-tourism fusion. By developing theme parks and bringing in fashion industries, the country managed to utilize its cultural and tourism resources to create real economic value.

"At this cultural expo, I can see that China's cultural and tourism industries are merging faster than ever," said Bai Ming, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce.

"Culture is the soul of tourism. For them to truly achieve deeper synergy, this connection must be embedded throughout the entire cultural-tourism industrial chain," he said.

At the event, the pavilion of southwest China's Guizhou Province re-enacted the vibrant scenes of a traditional Yi ethnic wedding through a "Wumeng Village Show," engaging the visitors with activities to immerse them in the cultural charm of Guizhou.

"We brought over 30 Yi ethic youths and elders from the remote Wumeng Mountain of Panzhou City to form the 'Wumeng Village Show' team. They sang and danced in traditional Yi costumes to share our heritage," said Zou Yonghu, deputy director of the Publicity Department of Panzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China.

"Nang Coffee" in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's pavilion, featured Nang, a kind of crusty bread typical of Xinjiang, turned it not just an internet-famous check-in spot but also a unique invitation to explore the region's tourism.

Beyond showcasing China's cultural-tourism achievements, the fair also served as a platform for trade.

Over a dozen cultural-tourism agreements were inked on site on Saturday morning, with a total investment of over 5 billion yuan (about 700 million U.S. dollars). Key projects like the Urumqi ice-snow world and a film and television program production base were among the dozens signed during the event.

Established in 2004, the fair has become a leading cultural event in China and an important platform to help Chinese culture go global.

China's cultural industries fair sees new cultural-tourism fusion momentum

The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.

Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.

The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.

"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.

The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.

Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.

"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.

Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near