Each embrace with the CIIE is filled with anticipation.
From November 5 to 10, the eighth China International Import Expo arrived as scheduled. Stepping into the Shanxi Pavilion at Booth W1 (National Pedestrian Street Exhibition Area) in the West Entrance Hall of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), a flowing light and shadow installation resembling the Fen River unfolds along the curved exhibition wall. Within the 435-square-meter space, the main structure—inspired by a traditional scroll painting—gradually unfurls, vividly interpreting the theme “Shanxi: Where Mountains and Rivers Meet, A Glimpse into the Future.”
At the Shanxi Pavilion, booths of four time-honored enterprises—Jinyifang Cultural Development Co., Ltd. from Jincheng City, Jinyuntang Ancient Zhezhou Ironware Development Co., Ltd., Yangcheng County Xusheng Ceramic Technology Co., Ltd., and Lu'anfu Lu Silk Weaving Group Co., Ltd.—remained bustling with crowds throughout the event.
"This time, we brought classic products like washable silk quilts, silk scarves, and wedding quilts. Particularly this four-piece bedding set priced at 19,800 yuan—we sold seven or eight sets just on the morning of the 6th. One customer even placed an online order on the spot for a ten-piece set worth 79,800 yuan. Our products have gained significant recognition," stated Liu Duoxia, Brand Manager of Lu'anfu Lu Silk Weaving Group, with confidence. Wen Songrong, a young man from Jinzhong, couldn't put down the silk scarves at the booth: “These scarves feature novel colors and designs with an exceptional texture. They make excellent gifts for family elders or female friends.” Foreign buyers were equally impressed: “These patterns seem to tell stories. It's amazing how ordinary silk threads can be transformed into works of art.”
Photo shows Jinyifang iron kettles from Jincheng City attracting crowds at the 8th China International Import Expo. Photo by Ning Shaoxiong
As a traditional iron-smelting region, Jincheng's iron kettles remain a focal point for visitors. At this CIIE, both Jinyuntang Ancient Zhezhou Ironware Development Co., Ltd. and Jinyifang Cultural Development Co., Ltd. showcased representative works. "This year we brought two kettles named ‘Wanhua,’ inspired by Shanxi's Tea Road and Chinese civilization, hoping to convey the vision of reviving the ancient Tea Road through these pieces. Each kettle holds 2025 milliliters, symbolizing this year's date. The dolphin, qilin, and auspicious cloud patterns on the kettle body draw inspiration from brick carvings in ancient Shanxi architecture, creating a luxury item uniquely rooted in Shanxi's heritage," explained Jin Xiao, the fifth-generation inheritor of the provincial intangible cultural heritage craft of Zezhou ironware production. His “Jin Xiao Ao Pancake Stall” drew massive crowds, captivating visitors with its traditional food preparation. Many tasted the pancakes while giving thumbs-up, their faces beaming with delight. “Jin Xiao Ao originates from Jincheng's traditional pancake griddle, crafted from cast iron. Its unique concave-convex design ensures even heat distribution and exceptional texture,” Jin Xiao explained. We prepare these intangible heritage pancakes daily at designated times and locations, introducing Shanxi's culinary culture and gastronomic traditions to global customers," Jin Xiao added. Jin Yuntang iron kettles, characterized by their blend of intangible heritage and practicality, feature exquisitely carved Shanxi motifs on their bodies. Staff demonstrated boiling water on-site, with the kettles' even heat distribution and stable thermal conductivity earning praise from numerous merchants. “I always knew Jincheng produced coal, but I never imagined its iron kettles could be so beautiful. The exquisite craftsmanship, unique designs, and elegant aesthetics are all perfect—I absolutely love them,” said Ms. Wen from Shanghai, praising the Jincheng iron kettles.
Photo shows Fahu porcelain from Jincheng City attracting numerous visitors at the 8th China International Import Expo. Photo by Ning Shaoxiong
As one of the “Three Treasures of Shanxi,” Fuhua porcelain shone once again at the CIIE. Yangcheng County's Xusheng Ceramics showcased over 100 pieces, ranging from large decorative items to brooches, earrings, and tea sets incorporating CIIE elements. “The ‘Ten Thousand Flowers’ series features various floral designs, each carrying unique symbolism—peonies represent prosperity, lotuses embody purity, and together they convey auspicious blessings,” explained Zhao Yue, brand manager of Yangcheng County's Xusheng Ceramics. Zhao Yue, brand manager of Yangcheng County Xusheng Ceramics, told reporters that within two days of the exhibition opening, nearly all the Fa Hua tea sets, badges, brooches, and earrings had sold out. “These cups aren't just visually appealing; they also feel smooth and lustrous in your hands. This matte white finish isn't as glaring as glossy surfaces, and paired with vibrant, fashionable patterns, young people should love them too,” remarked Ling Jiangyizhi from Shanghai.
At the Shanxi Gifts booth on the opposite side, cultural and creative products featuring the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions from the Jade Emperor Temple, brought by Taiyuan Shanxi Gifts Cultural and Creative Industry Co., Ltd., attracted numerous merchants and visitors with their meticulous replicas of cultural relics. “We've brought fourteen sets of cultural products representing the Azure Dragon and White Tiger constellations from the Twenty-Eight Mansions. Crafted from polyresin, these pieces combine 3D laser scanning with the expertise of intangible cultural heritage artisans. Every stroke is meticulously hand-painted, with hair strands replicated to millimeter-level accuracy against the originals. This maximizes the restoration of the artifacts' essence, truly bringing them to life. Since launching recently, demand has consistently outstripped supply,” explained Wu Xiaotian, the company's sales director.
One CIIE, one showcase of Shanxi goods. With craftsmanship and innovation, Shanxi's time-honored brands leverage the CIIE to breathe new life into traditional crafts while opening doors to global cooperation and mutual benefit, inviting the world to experience Shanxi's offerings! (By Lu Ke)