The Shanghai Pavilion at the 7th China International Import Expo, or CIIE, was unveiled to the media on Nov 3, showcasing the city's achievements in fostering new growth drivers.

Situated at the northwest corner of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, or NECC, Plaza, the pavilion covers 300 square meters and features a design resembling a traditional Shikumen lane, an architectural style from Shanghai that mixes Chinese and western elements.

The pavilion is divided into three sections: time-honored craftsmanship, Silk Road selections, and future space. A diverse array of exhibits such as time-honored brands, emerging consumer labels, curated brands, popular CIIE products, and advancements in five future industries were displayed.

"The Shanghai Pavilion at CIIE demonstrates how the city leverages this platform to cultivate new drivers of growth and promote a modernized industrial system," said Zhu Bingxin, an official from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce. "We aim to showcase Shanghai's unique brand influence, highlight the successful transition of CIIE exhibits into marketable commodities and exhibitors into investors, and present cutting-edge innovations from various sectors."

One of the highlights of the exhibits is a Gundam robot made of pure gold, weighing one kilogram. It is a collaboration between Laofengxiang, one of China's oldest jewelry brands, with a history can be traced back to 1848 in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and Japanese video game publisher Bandai Namco.

"At CIIE, we present innovative cultural and creative products inspired by this ancient art, bridging the gap between tradition and modern aesthetics," said Tang Binbin, a representative from the Shanghai Type Matrix Factory No 1.

In the Silk Road selections zone, global products ranging from French wines to Pakistani salt lamps, from Argentine leather goods to New Zealand honey, are displayed to emphasize CIIE's role in facilitating global trade.

"CIIE has opened doors for us to enter the Chinese market," said Niu Tao, a representative from Moca Rose, a Shanghai-based brand specializing in designer tableware. "Our design philosophy, inspired by cultural landmarks like the China Art Museum, resonates with consumers seeking a connection to heritage."

In the future space section, visitors can engage with cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality experiences, artificial intelligence-powered robots, and even a model of the China-France astronomical satellite. This section also features prominent Shanghai-based gaming companies like miHoYo and Lilith Games, highlighting the city's leading role in the global gaming industry.