Exquisite Chinese porcelains are on public display at the ongoing 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, offering a glimpse into the charms of Chinese culture.
The 136th Canton Fair is running in three phases from Oct 15 to Nov 4 in Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province.
At an area covering 54,400 square meters, a wealth of general ceramics and decorative art ceramics of different shapes and sizes by Chinese manufacturers are winning over visitors with their unique designs.
Designers have made a good blend of traditional craft and fashionable aesthetics to create works that modern-day consumers may accept and appreciate more readily.
Zhan Peiming, an exhibitor, said the design of a tea set was inspired by the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 50,000 stone Buddhist sculptures in north China's Datong City. "We inherit the ancient culture from within, further develop and expand it by combining various geometric elements to create a harmonious blend of squares and circles, thereby passing on our Chinese culture. There are also many new amazing stuffs," Zhan explained.
Attracted by these delicate products, many overseas buyers are planning to make bulk purchases.
"It's so much beautiful the pieces and how it is made. It's something new for me. They are wonderful pieces. So beautiful. I believe in Brazil, we have a market for these," said a Brazilian buyer. Launched in 1957, the Canton Fair is held in the spring and autumn seasons each year. The exhibition is widely seen as a barometer of China's trade.
Chinese porcelains show charms of Chinese culture at Canton Fair
Chinese-made products, from smartphones to cars, are captivating consumers in Kazan, Russia, fueled by growing cultural exchanges and a nearly two-century-old tradition of Chinese studies at Kazan Federal University.
Kazan Federal University, boasting a rich history of Chinese studies dating back nearly 200 years, established a Confucius Institute in 2007, attracting students like one whose Chinese name goes by Xiaona who is fascinated by Chinese culture.
"We often go to Chinese restaurants and make Chinese friends. We exchange contact information and then have more interactions,”said Xiaona.
This cultural exchange has woven Chinese elements into the fabric of Kazan life, from language and snacks to restaurants.
A recently opened Chinese-owned bubble tea shop on bustling Bauman Street is a popular new destination, attracting locals eager to try signature drinks.
Beyond culinary delights, Chinese-made products are gaining significant traction. Last year, Chinese smartphone brands accounted for almost 80 percent of Russia's imported smartphone supply. In the second quarter of this year, Chinese brands like Xiaomi swept the top ten spots in Russia's mobile phone sales rankings.
A salesman for Xiaomi explains the brand's appeal.
"We choose Xiaomi because the company excels comprehensively, particularly in their diverse product lines like tablets and smartphones, all of which are of high quality," said the salesman.
Chinese automobiles are also becoming a common sight in Kazan, winning over consumers with their quality and driving experience.
"Chinese cars boast high quality. For consumers, the quality and reliability of a car are very important factors," said Dmitry Gorodkovich, a salesman of China's automaker Chery.
Chinese products woo consumers from Russia's Kazan
