Culture fest with a twist

An artist demonstrates a local craft at the 2015 Beijing Culture Expo.[Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]

Previews of Silk Road-themed performances, from 3-D projection shows to extravagant dance dramas, travel to the Silk Road's cultural destinations and even holiday resorts are all being promoted at the expo.

Yu Haibo, deputy director of the culture expo organizing committee office, says: "This is the window to display Chinese culture."

As Beijing and Tianjin cities, and Hebei province have begun regional integration, their common cultural roots and history are also being highlighted at the event.

According to Yu Ping, deputy head of the Beijing's municipal administration for cultural heritage, a cultural products pavilion displays historical relics, themed toys and gadgets from the three places to show a common identity.

"Our pavilion shows Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei are connected and that they share a common culture," Yu says.

That culture, historically called Yanzhao culture that dates back to 3,000 years ago, will be shown using up-to-date technology.

Guan Zhanxiu, head of the Museum of Xizhou Yandu Site in Beijing, says: "With contributions from museums in the area, we will tell the story of a region that has historically fought harsh natural conditions."

At the expo, a travel route that includes the most important sites in the region was launched.

A mobile game based on the region's history was also unveiled.

Location-based devices that guide visitors to the region's specialties were also presented at the expo to show regional integration.

As China pushes ahead with its strategy of "Internet plus", a plan to bring together traditional industries, Internet and new media, the expo is also displaying a variety of crossover projects that have the creative sector bonding with technologies including 3-D and cloud computing.

The expo also has a section devoted to 3-D, from holographic images and virtual reality experiences to city planning.

Riding the tide of Beijing's successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, a winter sports experience center equipped with an ice rink is open to the public. It shows culture merging with sports and tourism by exhibiting interactive games and holiday plans.

College students are also invited to enter a competition of mobile application ideas for 20,000 yuan of prize money.

"Beijing will play an exemplary role in leading the creative sector," says Li.

"It has the pulse of the times and will be a practical guide to others."

All activities of the culture expo are open to the public.