120,000 exhibits, AI showcases and global exhibitors: ICIF opens

The 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) officially opened today at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in Bao’an District, bringing together more than 120,000 cultural products and over 6,000 exhibitors from around the world.

Visitors walk past contemporary art and cultural design displays at ICIF 2026 in Bao'an today. Photos by Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

Running through May 25, this year’s fair spans eight exhibition halls and 34 professional exhibition zones, highlighting emerging trends ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and digital entertainment to museum-inspired cultural products, low-altitude tourism and intangible cultural heritage.

Widely regarded as China’s leading cultural industry fair, ICIF this year places a strong emphasis on the integration of culture and technology. More than 310 overseas exhibitors from 65 countries and regions are participating online and offline, while around 260 trade matchmaking sessions, project roadshows and product launch events are scheduled during the five-day event.

An exhibition hall at the 22nd ICIF features media, technology and cultural industry displays.

Highlights

One of the fair’s biggest draws this year is its growing AI presence. In Hall 16, the Artificial Intelligence Exhibition Area, jointly created with Alibaba’s Qwen, showcases AI-powered smart glasses, intelligent hardware and interactive applications built around the theme of “AI in Everyday Life.”

More than 50 AI ecosystem companies are participating, covering sectors including robotics, smart home devices, office solutions and wearable technology.

Digital entertainment is another major highlight. Also located in Hall 16, the Animation, Gaming and Esports Exhibition Area features Chinese animation IPs, esports events, gaming experiences and designer toy displays aimed at younger audiences. Nearby, the Digital Performing Arts Exhibition Area combines immersive technologies with live cultural productions, including robot performances and mixed-reality stage systems.

A large bronze horse installation is displayed at ICIF 2026 in Bao'an today.

Traditional culture also takes center stage across the venue. In halls 9 and 10, the Museum Cultural and Creative Products Exhibition Area gathers more than 30 museums from the country, including the Palace Museum, the National Museum of China and the Sanxingdui Museum.

A special exhibition titled “Ancient China in Cultural Creativity” presents more than 800 cultural and creative products inspired by historical artifacts and traditional aesthetics.

Hall 13 focuses on intangible cultural heritage under the theme “Tiangong Creations,” featuring traditional crafts such as embroidery, lacquerware, ceramics and tea culture. Visitors can also explore themed exhibitions dedicated to Yixing teapots, Chaozhou gongfu tea ware and Ming and Qing-dynasty furniture.

Meanwhile, Hall 14 spotlights Shenzhen’s fast-growing low-altitude economy. Drone companies and aviation technology firms are presenting new tourism and entertainment applications, alongside VR flight simulators and youth drone racing activities.

A Xinjiang-themed cultural and tourism display is showcased at the 22nd ICIF in Bao'an. 

Lifestyle and design brands also make a strong showing at the newly launched Oriental Aesthetics Fashion and Lifestyle Exhibition Area in Hall 9, where fashion, jewelry, tea culture and home design are presented through contemporary interpretations of traditional Chinese aesthetics.

The fair opens amid China's broader push to develop new forms of cultural consumption and strengthen the country’s cultural industries through digital innovation and international exchange. Concurrently, the Forum on Building up China’s Cultural Strength 2026 is being held at the exhibition center.

Visitor guide

Dates: May 21–25

Venue: Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center (Halls 9–16), Bao’an District 

Public admission hours: May 21: from 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

May 22–24: 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

May 25: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Metro: Lines 12 or 20, Shenzhen World Station (国展站), Exit C1/C2 or Shenzhen World North Station (国展北站), Exit C1/C2