The fifth edition of the Yangtze River Delta Cultural Expo, held from November 22 to 25 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, offered visitors a fascinating experience of China's diverse regional cultures. Beyond the three provinces and one municipality of the Yangtze River Delta, regions such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Jilin also participated, showcasing their unique traditions and cultural products. The Expo highlighted China's incredible array of non-material cultural heritage (Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICH) and creative cultural products, allowing visitors to explore the country's traditions without leaving the exhibition halls.
With the creative integration of ethnic arts, traditional crafts, and culinary delights, the Expo provided a multi-sensory journey for everyone. Whether it was admiring intricate embroidery, trying traditional foods, or experiencing live performances of ancient rituals and dances, attendees were given a rare opportunity to witness the living history of each region.
Immersive Cultural Experiences and Unique Handicrafts
The exhibition spaces were not just places to observe but also to engage with the cultural treasures of China. One of the standout features of this year's event was the immersive exhibits, which allowed visitors to interact directly with the cultural heritage of different regions.
For instance, the Yunnan Pavilion offered a unique "left-hand coffee, right-hand tea" experience, letting attendees taste Yunnan's famous Pu-erh (普洱) tea and coffee from Baoshan (宝山). The blend of aromatic coffee and traditional tea served as a perfect metaphor for the balance of modernity and tradition in this beautiful province. In addition to beverages, the pavilion also showcased the province's iconic cultural crafts, including Bai ethnic batik (白族扎染), Yi ethnic embroidery (彝族刺绣), and Lisu rainbow weaving (傈僳族彩虹织). These traditional skills have been reinterpreted through contemporary designs, turning them into sought-after cultural and creative products.
Guizhou, known for its ethnic diversity, presented silverware, brocade, and embroidery as part of its non-material cultural heritage. The highlight was a stunning silver hat crafted by Miao (苗族) artisans, which captivated visitors with its intricate sunflower designs. Made using traditional silver working techniques, this hat symbolized the cultural richness of the Miao people. Guizhou's exhibit also offered hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to try their hand at creating their brocade designs or embroidering patterns, further emphasizing the hands-on nature of these crafts.
For the first time, Qinghai participated with its stunning displays of Thangka (Tibetan religious paintings) and unique wire art, showcasing the spiritual depth and intricate artistry of the Tibetan culture. Visitors had the chance to see live demonstrations of Thangka painting and the opportunity to create their miniature artworks through hands-on workshops.
The Expo was not only a visual and tactile experience but also a feast for the senses. Throughout the event, visitors could enjoy live performances of ethnic music and dance, which vividly demonstrated the rich diversity of Chinese culture.
At the Yunnan Pavilion, visitors were treated to the lively "Da Jiao (打跳)" dance, where both performers and guests were invited to join in a circle to celebrate the region's festive traditions. The Guizhou Pavilion featured live performances of "Tunbao Di Xi (屯堡地戏)," an ancient form of dramatic folk opera, alongside other performances of ethnic folk songs, transporting the audience to the heart of rural Guizhou.
Jilin's booth captivated visitors with performances of Korean ethnic dances, such as the "Long Drum Dance" and "Fan Dance," both of which showcase the elegance and grace of the region's traditions. Meanwhile, in Inner Mongolia, a live performance of Mongolian long songs and traditional dances transported attendees to the vast steppes, evoking the grandeur of the Mongolian plateau.
Cultural Expo is only complete with the chance to taste local delicacies, and this year's event was no exception. Visitors could sample Yunnan's wild mushrooms, Guizhou's sour fish soup, Sichuan's spicy hotpot, and Qinghai's special medicinal herbs. One of the most popular food items was the "De Shun Yuan (德顺源)" steamed lamb dumplings in the Inner Mongolia Pavilion. The line for these dumplings always seemed to continue, with thousands being sold each day, offering a true taste of Mongolian cuisine. These culinary delights provided not just a physical experience but also a deeper connection to the cultural identities of the regions.
One of the most exciting aspects of this year's Expo was the incorporation of cutting-edge technology to enhance the cultural experience. In the Sichuan Pavilion, visitors could immerse themselves in virtual reality (VR) experiences that transported them to scenic locations such as the Leshan Giant Buddha or the historical stone carvings in Dazu. Using VR headsets, visitors could experience these landmarks in a way that blended ancient heritage with modern technology.
The Yunnan Pavilion used Extended Reality (XR) technology to offer virtual tours of the province's most scenic locations, such as the Tiger Leaping Gorge and Meili Snow Mountain. Attendees could also take a digital journey along the China-Laos railway and experience the stunning natural landscapes, giving them a sense of Yunnan's rugged beauty and cultural depth.
In addition to digital storytelling, the exhibition also showcased innovative ways of preserving cultural heritage. Sichuan's exhibit highlighted the digital preservation of ancient cultural sites, including the world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha and other historical relics. Visitors could explore these sites in digital form, learning how technology safeguards these irreplaceable treasures for future generations.
The Yangtze River Delta Cultural Expo demonstrated the vastness and diversity of China's cultural heritage. From the snow-capped peaks of Jilin to the tropical forests of Yunnan, the Expo provided a platform for each region to display its unique traditions, crafts, music, and cuisine. Whether you were looking to shop for exquisite handicrafts, watch traditional performances, or taste a dish you've never had before, the Expo had something for everyone.
