A wide variety of eye-catching gifts and premiums on display at the ongoing 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, have attracted buyers from across the world and inspired local brands to upgrade design and align with trends.
The 136th Canton Fair is running in three phases from Oct 15 to Nov 4 in Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province.
Covering an area of more than 190,000 square meters, the gifts and premiums exhibition section serves as a platform for exhibitors to exchange with buyers from all over the world, which will enable them to understand the latest trends in the world and encourage them to update their own products.
"The Canton Fair highlights the ability to learn. For example, when we see some exquisite displays along the main aisles, we can learn from some color schemes; and when many customers gather around an exhibition booth, we would recognize that the products on display there are likely trending," said Zhang Chi, an exhibitor.
Chinese handicrafts with unique design and craftsmanship at the fair have captivated visitors. At an exhibition sector, willow weaving handicrafts from Linshu County of east China's Shandong Province have won over many visitors.
Linshu has a complete industrial chain for these willow products covering the cultivation, processing, weaving, sales and export. The export destinations include over 100 countries and regions, and the Canton Fair is a main channel for securing orders.
"Our company meets new buyers at the Canton Fair each year, which brings in many orders and creates more jobs in our county," said Chen Bingna, an exhibitor.
Exquisite gifts, premiums at Canton Fair draw attention, inspire innovation
The 2024 International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Cup kicked off on Saturday in Miluo, central China's Hunan Province, drawing teams from 10 countries and regions to showcase their athleticism and teamwork.
It marks the fourth time the event has been held in China.
As one of the highest-profile IDBF competitions, this year's World Cup features five events across two categories: a 12-person 400-meter relay, a 1,000-meter pursuit, and 22-person mixed races in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 500-meter sprints.
The Chinese Dragon Boat Association has sent two teams comprising elite athletes selected from this year's China Longzhou (Dragon Boat) Tournament.
In the 200-meter mixed sprint held on Saturday morning, Indonesia narrowly defeated China's Team One to secure the first gold medal of the event. Later in the day, China's Team One triumphed over teams of Indonesia and Canada to win the championship in the 100-meter mixed race.
"This competition shows that Indonesia's level is truly impressive. Although it's a pity that we lost by a narrow margin, we will work even harder in the upcoming events to achieve excellent results," Feng Guojing, coach of China's Team One.
On Sunday, the World Cup will feature the final three championship races, including the 12-person 400-meter relay, the 1000-meter pursuit, and the 22-person 500-meter sprint.
Originated from China more than 2,500 years ago, dragon boating has evolved into a fast, fun and thrilling team-based paddling sport across the world.
In China, the traditional Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who tragically drowned himself in the Miluo River. As such, Miluo is regarded as the birthplace of dragon boating, with Qu Yuan's legacy deeply honored.
2024 International Dragon Boat Federation World Cup opens in Hunan
