Hangzhou culture expo kicks off

The international exhibition area, in particular, has doubled in size since last year, accounting for 50 percent of the total area in the main venue.

Italy is the official guest country of honor at this year's expo and will organize a series of cultural exchange activities over the next few days.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a 400-square-meter exhibition is featured at the expo, displaying over 70 exquisite artworks from 30 renowned artists.

With over 2,000 Chinese and foreign institutions participating, the event also includes 23 forums and activities to foster business connections, in addition to the cultural exhibition.