The 14th Hangzhou Cultural and Creative Industry Expo was held in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province in southeastern China, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.
The expo attracted more than 4,000 cultural institutions and enterprises from more than 60 countries and regions to participate online and offline. The total number of participating brands increased by 60% compared with the previous expo. The exhibition area of overseas brands remained at 40% of the total exhibition area. During the exhibition, the main venue received more than 60,000 visitors, the two online sub-venues received more than 930 million clicks, and completed on-site transactions and project contracts worth 2.19 billion yuan.
In the past 14 years, amid new culture, new consumption and new life, the expo has not only become one of China's four major cultural exhibition activities, but also Hangzhou's cultural landmark and an important platform for building an international cultural and creative center. The online expo stays open throughout the year.
With the rapid development of China's new economy, more and more consumers are using the Internet to communicate, and online shopping has become a trend. This year's expo also features two online sub-venues, allowing citizens to visit the exhibition without leaving their homes.
As one of the online sub-venues of the expo, Dongjia App is an online shopping platform specially set up for excellent traditional craftsmen at home and abroad. According to Meng Wenbo, president of the app, more than 2,000 exhibitors at home and abroad have "transferred" their offline works to the app, presenting their works in a three-dimensional and diversified manner by means of pictures, videos and live broadcasts. Alexandre Turpault textiles from France, Knit Planet children's clothing from the UK, Festka bikes from the Czech Republic… Visitors can find all of these global creative products on the platform, and place an order with a few clicks and have them delivered to their home.
"The expo used to be held offline in a relatively short period. With the digitalization of the event, the online venue has opened up more possibilities for people to browse, communicate and buy through mobile phones anytime and anywhere, creating a year-long 24-hour event," Meng added.