Over 400 new products, new technologies, and new services are showcased at the ongoing seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Tuesday.
Themed "New Era, Shared Future", the six-day event is attended by 77 countries and international organizations in national pavilions, along with nearly 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions in the business exhibition.
At its exhibition area, U.S.-headquartered multinational enterprise Honeywell presented a series of new products that are exhibited in China for the first time, such as the latest terrain warning system for airplanes, plastic recycling technology, and products and solutions for buildings and smart manufacturing. "This gas detector debuted in China is mainly used in the semiconductor and photovoltaic production fields. Because of its relatively sensitive sensing technology, it can detect more than 35 types of harmful gases, toxic gases and flammable gases during the production process, which can ensure the safety of production and operating personnel," said exhibitor Hou Sai.
Meanwhile, global clothing giant Uniqlo also brought new technologies and new concepts this year, such as the "air cotton jacket", which used ultra-fine hollow fiber technology to greatly enhance the temperature lock effect; as well as a new down jacket specifically designed for the Chinese market, which can withstand temperatures as cold as minus 35 degrees Celsius.
"This is the high-quality down we use. If we compare 100 grams of this down with ordinary down, its fluffiness is almost doubled, so it can provide better warmth. Here is a small test. It is simulating the scenario where plants sway in winds while keep still with the cover of windproof fabric," said exhibitor Ding Yun.
In addition, high-tech products including humanoid robots, drones, and self-driving vehicles are all on display.
As the world's first national-level import-themed expo, the CIIE is held annually at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
Since its first edition in 2018, this expo has become an important stage spotlighting China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-level opening-up and a public good for the whole world.
Over 400 new products, new technologies displayed at 7th CIIE
Over 400 new products, new technologies displayed at 7th CIIE
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
