ICIF Review

Since its inception in 2004, the ICIF has witnessed remarkable growth in its scale and international reach, with the number of exhibitors surging from 700 to over 6,000 and the exhibition area expanding from an initial 40,000 sqm to a sprawling 160,000 sqm. Furthermore, its global appeal is evident from the participation of a diverse array of countries and regions, which has expanded from just over 10 to a remarkable 108. This growth underscores the exhibition’s evolution into a truly global platform for trade and cultural exchange. The fair’s two-decade-long history is marked by numerous pioneering achievements and milestones.

• In 2004, the fair was selected as one of China’s top 10 cultural events that year.

• In 2005, the fair held its first overseas promotion in Nuremberg, Germany.

• In 2006, the fair became the first of its kind in China to receive certification from the UFI (Union of International Fairs), and Macao attended the fair for the first time.

• In 2008, the International Cultural Pavilion was inaugurated, and Hong Kong made its debut at the fair.

• In 2009, Taiwan participated for the first time.

• In 2010, the total amount of transactions exceeded 100 billion yuan (US$13.9 billion).

• In 2011, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion made its first appearance.

• In 2013, the number of exhibitors exceeded 2,000 for the first time.

• In 2014, the total amount of transactions reached 200 billion yuan.

• In 2015, the Belt and Road International Pavilion was established.

• In 2017, the number of overseas buyers exceeded 20,000 for the first time.

• In 2019, the GBA Cultural Industry Hall was established.

• In 2020, the first online ICIF was held.

• In 2021, the fair was held both in-person and online for the first time.

• In 2023, the first Forum on Building up China’s Cultural Strength was held to coincide with the ICIF. A record number of 6,000 exhibitors attended the ICIF online.