In 2018, when people in China spent an average 827.4 yuan on cultural and entertainment annually, those in Shanghai spent more than 3,008.5 yuan per capita. Wang Tao, a representative of Guantong Culture and Creation Co from Tongling, Anhui province, tells China Daily at the expo that his company was given the opportunity to showcase its fine creations of bronze and copper sculptures at the expo for free.

"People in Shanghai have enthusiasm for fine designs and creative products. We want to make ourselves known to consumers in Shanghai and, more importantly, get to know some partners for potential collaborations," he says.

A major highlight of the iCiE was the museum pavilions, especially the well-designed exhibition spaces of leading museums in the region, such as Shanghai Museum and Nanjing Museum in Jiangsu province. Shanghai Museum also presented the new conceptual IP collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.

Earlier this year, the two museums signed a deal to develop new cultural icons by combining signature images of their respective collections. "We are working on a series of product designs based on the new collaboration," according to Li Feng, deputy director of Shanghai Museum.

Other regions aside from the Yangtze River Delta also benefit from the expo, where special showcases were presented for seven regions. These showcases featured traditional handicrafts, ethnic art creations and local specialties, and proved to be popular among visitors.