Chongqing - From Oct 1st to 3rd, the 14th Chongqing International Cultural Industry Expo is being held at the Nanping International Convention and Exhibition Centre. In such a special case when China's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival meet each other, the expo turns out to be a cultural playground for families. Parents and children arrived hand-in-hand to explore exhibitions, taste local specialties, and even take part in creative hands-on experiences of cultural heritages.
At the Tanmujiang booth, known for its handcrafted wooden combs, children and parents gathered around long tables filled with traditional carving tools. Families were invited to design their own combs under the guidance of master artisans. One parent, sketching alongside his daughter, shared: "I'm drawing a pattern on a Tanmujiang comb, and then my daughter can paint it. It’s a fun way for her to experience traditional craft while we spend time together during the holiday. We thought it would be a great parent-child outing."
Just across the hall, the expo's anime festival drew families into the world of imagination and fantasy. Children dressed as their favorite characters posed with parents who also joined the cosplay fun. A mother explained why she dressed up with her daughter, "My daughter is cosplaying Pinkie from My Little Pony, and I’m cosplaying a special version of Hatsune Miku. I often take her to comic cons, but this time, coming to the expo allowed us to bond even more through my hobby."
The combination of traditional craft and modern pop culture created an inclusive atmosphere where every family could find something meaningful. Alongside hands-on activities, family visitors also enjoyed exhibitions of ceramics, embroidery, lacquerware, and agricultural specialties such as Wushan crispy plums and Fengjie oranges.
By blending heritage, creativity, and shared experiences, this year's expo offered more than displays - it gave families memories to carry home. Whether painting a comb, trying cosplay for the first time, or tasting local treats together, the expo showed how culture can strengthen family ties.