Chongqing - On November 16, the much-anticipated 12th Chongqing International Cultural Industry Expo (CQCIE), along with the Baiyu Cultural Heritage and Development Precious Products Exhibition, will ceremoniously open its doors at the Chongqing International Convention and Exhibition Center (Nanping). 

Scheduled to run from November 16 to 19, this year's CQCIE spans an impressive 20,000 square meters of exhibition space. Eagerly awaiting its audience, thousands of meticulously curated exhibits are set to enchant residents and tourists alike.

Exquisite teawares (Photo/CQCIE)

Tea culture takes center stage at this event, highlighted by key features such as the Cross-Strait Tea Culture Inheritance and Development Forum and the Chongqing-Taiwan Tea Exchange Conference. 

Complementing these forums is a sprawling 1,000-square-meter Tea Culture Exchange Area established on-site. This space offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with experts and scholars about the inheritance and innovation within tea culture. 

Additionally, attendees can immerse themselves in the world of top-notch teaware, appreciating the exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetics that define this ancient art.

There will also be forums and conferences on tea culture during the 12th CQCIE. (Photo/CQCIE)

The Baiyu Cultural Heritage and Development Precious Products Exhibition will showcase China's finest handicrafts, featuring an array of original, high-quality works nationwide. This includes revered traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritages like the intricate Yang Family's Knot-making Skill and exquisite glaze techniques. 

Further enriching the experience, the immersive Osmanthus Expo Park will display its special cultural and creative products, such as delicately scented hand cream and delectable osmanthus cake, offering visitors an enchanting feast of culture and art.

The performance of Shigong Haozi (traditional work songs of masonry workers) (Photo/CQCIE)

Delving into a world of flavors is a hallmark of the CQCIE. This exhibition invites visitors to savor Chongqing's famed local spicy chicken and an array of other culinary delights and to experience the agricultural specialties from the Sichuan and Chongqing regions alongside traditional Baijiu (liquor) brewing techniques. 

Adding an international twist, Russian liquors and delicacies from Belarus' largest chocolate manufacturer, Kommunarka, will also be featured, offering visitors an eclectic and multicultural gourmet journey.

Rongchang Grass Linen (xiabu) (Photo/CQCIE)

A standout feature of the exhibition is the pavilion composed of various districts and counties of Chongqing, offering a comprehensive display of the achievements and prospects of Chongqing's cultural industry. Fengdu will showcase its rich intangible cultural heritage, featuring items like Shigong Haozi (traditional work songs of masonry workers) and wooden stick opera, a unique genre of Chinese puppetry. Wushan, on the other hand, will concentrate on displaying cultural and creative products that embody local characteristics. The Rongchang exhibition area will highlight its famed cultural and creative products, including Rongchang pottery and Rongchang Grass Linen, while scenic spots such as Simian Mountain in Jiangjin will also be among the focal points of the exhibit.

This edition of the CQCIE is more than just a feast for the eyes and palate; it is an exceptional opportunity for an in-depth exploration of Chongqing's rich cultural tapestry and its vibrant innovations.