The annual expo, held in the Jiangnan region of the Yangtze River Delta, focused on the theme “Culture and Creativity Make Life More Interesting.” Organizers reported a record number of participants this year, with a 41,000-square-meter exhibition space hosting cultural and creative businesses, designers, and institutions from across five continents.
According to event data, exhibitors represented 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China. On-site sales of cultural and creative products totaled more than 7.1 million yuan (approximately $980,000 USD), while participants reached over 20,000 cooperation agreements and business intentions during the event.
Exhibits showcased the integration of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. The Palace Museum presented jewelry inspired by 600-year-old court beads from the Forbidden City, while the Suzhou Museum offered interactive augmented reality experiences demonstrating traditional silk tapestry weaving techniques. The National Museum of China also debuted its 2026 “Year of the Horse” creative product line.
Beyond exhibitions, market areas, and interactive sections aimed at connecting culture with everyday experiences. Visitors explored the “Jun Dao Suzhou” Market, which featured lantern riddles, live music, and locally inspired crafts. Products from attractions such as Chimelong Resort and China Dinosaurs Park were featured alongside new cultural designs incorporating Suzhou’s classic garden motifs.
The expo’s organizers emphasized the event’s growing role as a platform for international cultural exchange and collaboration. Creative works from institutions like the British Museum were displayed alongside Chinese museum collections, underscoring a blend of global and local aesthetics.
John Howkins, known as a leading voice on the global creative economy, said the event showcased “the historical depth and contemporary vitality of Chinese culture.”
The Suzhou expo, first launched in 2008, has become one of China’s most significant cultural industry events, reflecting the country’s efforts to expand its creative economy and promote artistic innovation on a global stage.
