With a history spanning 7,000 years jade is a symbol of honor, faith and immortality for many Chinese. Yunnan is the ideal place for travelers to experience the rich jade culture.

Jewelers are displaying their wares this week at the six-day Yunnan High-grade Jadeite Summer Appreciation Fair.

Held in Kunming, the fair represents city efforts to become the jadeite capital of the world. It hosts domestic and foreign guests.

Approximately 300 pieces of high-grade jadeite from Yunnan and other regions of China are on display, valued at more than 2 billion yuan.

Jadeite accessories from 16 famous jewelry enterprises - among them Cuixiangyuan, Tailigong and Cuixi - will also be exhibited, said Deng Kun, director of the Yunnan Provincial Jewelry and Jade Quality Supervision and Examination Institute.

All accessories have passed evaluations from the Institute's jadeite quality grade assessment committee and been issued certificates.

Companies are showcasing more than 100 premier examples of artistry. All products are grade-III jade.

Saturday's opening ceremonies recognized last year's award-winning gems. Held from 9-5 each day, the fair hosts lectures and forums on the jadeite industry.

Bai Gensheng, deputy chairman of China Folklore Society, is set to speak on Yunnan's jade culture.

Also of interest is an unveiling of the Yunnan High-Grade Jadeite Appreciation album. The publication features around 300 pieces of exceptional jade works. It is a joint venture of the Yunnan Jewelry Quality Professional Committee and the Yunnan Jewelry and Jade Quality Supervision and Examination Institute.

The province has long been China's top jade distribution, processing and sales center. According to Deng, jadeite sales account for approximately 86 percent of Yunnan's total trade.

It is estimated that Kunming's jadeite sales alone will top 13 billion yuan.

"We hope the fair will help promote the jewelry and jadeite industry of the province," Deng said. "The jadeite industry in Yunnan needs to move towards sustainable and healthy development".

The fair is sponsored by Yunnan Cultural Industry Office, Yunnan Stone Industry Development Joint Conference Office, Yunnan Department of Commerce, Yunnan Department of Land and Resources, Yunnan Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Department, Kunming People's Government, Dehong Prefecture People's Government, Baoshan People's Government and Yunnan Stone Industry Promotion Committee.

(China Daily 07/26/2010 page10)