Sally Wang

THE concept of “culture” covers a wide gamut of ideas, institutions and products, and the Second China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair seems to mirror just that. Covering nine halls in the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center and six other branch venues, the fair displays tea and newspapers, books and antiques, and almost anything else that can be connected to culture.

The fair opened Thursday in bright sunshine, mocking earlier fears of a direct pounding from Typhoon Chanchu. More than 3,000 people attended the opening ceremony, including foreign celebrities, businessmen and government officials.

State Councilor Chen Zhili toured the fair and described it as “exciting.” Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua said the cultural fair, which will become an annual fixture of Shenzhen, will greatly promote the cultural development of the province.

With professional forums and live performances, painting auctions and fancy gifts, the organizers of the fair and over 1,500 exhibitors are trying every possible method to promote cultural products and shows at the ICIF.

Apart from live shows of traditional Chinese arts like Beijing Opera and embroidery, the ICIF saw a performance of the Australian band Wongawilli, one of the most eye-catching events at the fair. The members of Wongawilli said they had come to the fair to promote not just the band, but all Australian culture.

The big brother of China’s TV industry, CCTV has set up a booth at the ICIF to promote its TV shows, as have local TV stations. Also present are Chinese and foreign cities, which are promoting tourism and local cultures.

Professional visitors are at the fair to seek trade opportunities in the cultural industry, while casual ones are just there to enjoy a taste of everything cultural. A number of Malaysian visitors were impressed by the fair, which they found to be educational, well-organized, according to Noor Aidi Nadzri, an official with the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia.