Chongqing - A delegation of more than 20 cultural and creative enterprises from Chongqing made a notable appearance at the 2026 Hong Kong International Licensing Show from April 27 to 29. The event is widely recognized as Asia‘s flagship licensing fair and the world’s second-largest in the sector.

The Chongqing booth draws a large crowd. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

The Chongqing delegation showcased its presence under the tourism promotion brand slogan "Majestic Landscapes, Dynamic Chongqing," which was officially launched as Chongqing‘s cultural and tourism brand slogan in July 2025. Participating enterprises presented more than 120 exhibits across three themed sections, highlighting the rapid development of Chongqing’s cultural and creative industries.  

The Chongqing booth draws a large crowd. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

The event served as a practical step to deepen cultural and tourism industry exchanges between Chongqing and Hong Kong, advancing the creative sector‘s strategy of "going global and bringing in" — expanding international reach while attracting premium global resources.  

Intangible Heritage IP: Legacy Reimagined Through Modern Design

This section focuses on the creative transformation of intangible cultural heritage. Exhibits included Yang Stone Carving, Hechuan Gorge Inkstone, golden nanmu wood crafts, Yushan Culture (Shu embroidery), Ziyue Miao Culture (Miao embroidery platform), and Qijiang farmers' prints.  

Chongqing's distinctive exhibition booth. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

A standout feature of the section was a Tao Yuanming-themed series developed by the Youyang Taohuayuan Cultural Tourism Group, drawing on local tradition from Taohuayuan in Youyang County. The collection interprets the ancient poet‘s ideal of a "poetic dwelling" through products that connect traditional culture with modern consumer tastes, creating a cultural symbol unique to Chongqing.  

Creative IP: Local Elements in Fashionable Expressions  

Independent creative firms such as Tamiyi Culture, Art Market, and Baobaowen Creative presented lifestyle and aesthetic products infused with Chongqing’s distinct regional character. This section provided a window into Chongqing's design innovation capabilities and created opportunities for local firms to partner with international brands, engage in co-branded IP collaborations, and adopt cutting-edge design concepts — supporting two‑way flows of creative talent and business models.  

The Chongqing booth draws a large crowd. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Digital Content IP: Emerging Drivers from New Media

Chongqing Publishing House, Zhaimiao Technology, Maiya Media, and Zeze Pictures displayed a range of original digital IPs in animation, film & TV, and new media. These companies used Hong Kong’s international platform to connect with global capital, advanced technology, and overseas distribution channels, fostering a two‑way cycle for the city’s digital creative industry.  

Chongqing's distinctive exhibition booth. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

District-Level Participation Adds Depth

The delegation drew participants from culturally rich districts and counties across Chongqing, including Shapingba District, Hechuan District, and Youyang County.  

- Shapingba District — known as a major hub for science, education, and culture in Chongqing — brought exhibits inspired by the city’s Red Revolution heritage and the ancient charm of Ciqikou, using IP licensing to carry Chongqing's cultural stories onto the global stage.  

Chongqing's distinctive exhibition booth. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

- Hechuan District highlighted its “three‑river“ heritage through specialty products, including Hechuan walnut cake, Hechuan Gorge Inkstone, and golden nanmu wood crafts. These items bring the legendary tale of Fishing Town and traditional intangible heritage crafts into the international licensing marketplace.  

Promotion Event and Industry Impact  

During the fair, the Youyang Taohuayuan Cultural Tourism Group held a dedicated promotional session on the main stage, showcasing Chongqing's tourism resources and the transformation achievements of the Peach Blossom Spring and Tao Yuanming cultural IP. The session facilitated targeted matchmaking with international business partners.  

The Chongqing booth draws a large crowd. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Organized under the joint coordination of the Chongqing Copyright Association and the Chongqing Geographical Indications Association, the delegation’s participation marked another step in the deepening collaboration between Chongqing and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong International Licensing Show is Asia‘s leading trade fair for licensing, offering a one‑stop platform for licensors, licensees, and agents.  

The Chongqing booth draws a large crowd. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

By participating in this premier global event, Chongqing’s cultural and creative industries not only showcased their strengths and expanded international licensing channels but also attracted premium global brands, investment capital, and potential partners. The initiative signals the establishment of a long‑term mechanism for "going global and bringing in," as Chongqing‘s creative sector integrates more deeply into the global cultural industry value chain and moves steadily toward high‑quality development, ensuring that Bayu culture continues to shine on the world stage.