Suzhou to hold 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo

The 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo will be held from August 15 to 17 at the Suzhou International Expo Centre. This year's edition adopts a novel approach that integrates government and market resources, online and offline activities, and indoor and outdoor venues.
With a total exhibition area of approximately 35,000 square meters, the expo features five themed exhibitions, namely Cultural Tourism of Cities along the Grand Canal Exhibition, Grand Canal-themed Cultural and Creative Products Exhibition, Grand Canal Special Cultural Tourism Industry Exhibition, "Encounter Between the Silk Road and the Grand Canal" Exhibition, and Grand Canal Food Culture Exhibition. As of now, the expo has attracted participation from 542 enterprises across 76 cities of 18 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China.
The opening ceremony of the expo will take place on the morning of August 15 at Hall B1 of the Suzhou International Expo Centre. Eight cultural and tourism ambassadors from six provinces and two cities along the Grand Canal will present their distinctive regional cultures with a unique Jiangnan style.
This year's expo has thoroughly catered to the preferences of the young by introducing, for the first time, a dedicated cultural and creative products exhibition area. It brings together over 1,000 unique cultural and creative items from key museums and scenic spots along the Grand Canal. Special sections such as a Plush Toy Supermarket and the Jiangsu Super League area are set up on site. Additionally, the expo offers exclusive discounts to university students.
The exhibition zones also serve as scenic spots and shopping areas. The expo integrates canal-themed markets, intangible cultural heritage workshops, trendy beverage and gaming zones, DIY culinary classes, VR experiences, and robot interactions across its exhibition areas, creating a space where visitors can explore the booths, shop, and play at the same time. The 2025 edition will see the debut of "Canal Wonderland" Immersive VR Odyssey and "Mars VR Greenhouse," offering unique immersive experiences to visitors.

The "Encounter Between the Silk Road and the Grand Canal" Exhibition features participation from 130-plus institutions and enterprises across 35 countries and regions, marking the first time the exhibition has achieved global coverage across all continents. 
During the expo, attendees can experience distinctive architecture, cuisine, cultural creative products, and alluring tourism resources from different countries and regions. The "Charm of Jiangsu Canal Tour" activity for international guests will be held as well. Officials from overseas tourism bureaus and representatives of travel agencies will be invited to explore cultural and tourism resources along the Grand Canal.
A total of 152 cultural tourism and related enterprises, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, New Oriental, Spring Airlines, Tesla, Bombardier, iFLYTEK, and BOE, will participate in the expo, bringing new product releases, online and offline activities, and co-branding events.

The 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo
Date: August 15-17
Venue: Halls B1-E1, Suzhou International Expo Centre

（Source: Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism）
Source：iSzhou