The Sixth Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industries Expo was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai from Nov 20 to 22, drawing creative industries from across the region.

Shanghai's Jing'an district delivered one of this year's most distinctive displays, transforming its 200-square-meter booth into six themed "experience boxes", each offering a unique way to explore the district's cultural heritage, creative design, and digital innovation.

The six sections — Suhe Trend Box, Sound Motion Box, Vision Tech Box, Cultural Heritage Box, Aesthetic Craft Box, and Light & Shadow Box — invited visitors to experience Jing'an through sight, sound, touch, and immersive interaction.

Light & Shadow Box: A Journey Through Light

The Light & Shadow Box showcased the district's achievements in immersive light-and-projection art. Designed as a walk-through space titled Following the Light, the installation blended cultural motifs with cutting-edge technology. Architectural outlines were transformed into canvases for shifting lights, while star-like visual effects highlighted Shanghai's cultural openness and spirit of innovation.

Aesthetic Craft Box: A Tribute to Everyday Beauty

The Aesthetic Craft Box celebrated craftsmanship rooted in daily life. Intangible cultural heritage techniques, time-honored brands, and local designers were brought together through curated pieces that reflect Jing'an's warmth and refined cultural aesthetic. Products from the renowned traditional pharmacy Lei Yun Shang, including scented sachets and incense gift sets, highlighted the enduring craftsmanship behind the time-honored brand. Co-branded sachets inspired by Zhangyuan and the former residence of Soong Ching Ling blended artistic expression with practical design.

Suhe Trend Box: A Hub for Creative Youth Culture

Appealing to visitors who enjoy fresh and playful experiences, the Suhe Trend Box featured more than 20 high-quality figurines, each crafted with meticulous detail. An interactive screen invited guests to scan a QR code to join a mini-lottery and redeem exclusive surprise gifts, making the area a lively gathering spot for pop-culture enthusiasts.

Cultural Heritage Box: Tracing Jing'an's Urban Roots

The Cultural Heritage Box explored Jing'an's historical evolution. The Zhangyuan Arcadia Hall creative series on display faithfully reproduced the architectural textures of old Shanghai. Under the theme Century-old Jing'an, the section linked together key chapters of the district's cultural lineage, from the ancient origins of Jing'an Temple and the bustling markets of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties to the district's transformation after Shanghai opened as a treaty port. Interactive screens and documentary videos offered a vivid, easy-to-follow narrative.

Vision Tech Box: Innovations in Smart Audiovisual Industries

The Vision Tech Box served as the central showcase for Jing'an's smart audiovisual industry. Leading companies presented their latest digital technologies, reflecting the district's growing role in advancing tech-cultural integration. Highlights included the Tiefo Temple MR immersive experience, which uses mixed-reality technology to reconstruct historical scenes and bring them to life.

Sound Motion Box: Hearing the Voices of Jing'an

Created exclusively by audio platform Himalaya Media Inc, the Sound Motion Box offered a calming, sound-focused immersive space themed Listening to the Sounds of Jing'an. A standout feature was the vinyl-record scanning wall: by scanning printed record designs, visitors could unlock curated audio albums featuring local storytelling, including Poetry of Suzhou Creek: Reading Jing'an and A Turn on North Shaanxi Road, as well as classic excerpts from the Jing'an Yueju Opera Troupe. The experience vividly brought the district's cultural rhythms to life for visitors.

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center at "jaxwzx"