Jiading Shines at Delta Expo with a Fusion of Tradition and Technology

Imagine pressing a stamp and taking home a whole season, donning VR glasses to walk alongside ancient heroes, or clutching a plush bear that blends cuteness with cultural warmth – all in one booth.

The 6th Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industry Expo, held on November 20-22 at Shanghai's National Exhibition and Convention Center, featured Jiading District's showstopper: Confucian temple carvings, AI robots and XR technology.

For visitors, it wasn't just an expo booth; it was a journey through time, where the past and future collided in the most delightful ways.

Heritage reimagined

The Jiading Museum featured colorful cultural and creative products inspired by "Xuegong Lion" and "Jia Xiaoli," a Confucius Temple carp symbol for "leaping over the dragon's gate" for good luck. Traditional symbolism met modern design on fridge magnets and backpacks, but the new four-season stamp set, which condensed the museum's seasonal landscapes into palm-sized art, was the star.

"Jiading's seals are the best I've seen – every design is unique," said seasoned collector Bai Zhirong, who traveled to the expo after seeing social media posts. The stamp station buzzed from 9am daily, with visitors lining up to press their mementos.

The "Jia You Hao Dian" pop-up store showcased nearly 20 intangible cultural heritage projects, including Jiading bamboo carving, Xuhang straw weaving and Anting indigo-dyed cloth.

"We launched 'Jiading Four Seasons' fridge magnets in response to high demands," noted Liu Ning from the district's cultural center, explaining the set's popularity as a bridge between traditional crafts and daily life.

Comics and collaborations

Shanghai Hunzhi Culture Communication drew crowds with over 100 comics that make complex knowledge engaging.

"Brother Hunzi's comics turn complicated concepts into fun," said fan Dai Jiaming, who connected with the team to explore future collaborations.

"We want to inspire love for learning through comics," added Hunzhi's public relations manager Han Tingting.

Nearby, the Shanghai International Short Video Clip Center offered custom poker cards printed with its spaces, blending "scenes, tech and content" to showcase short-form creativity. "This dream collaboration injects new vitality into the industry," said general manager Yu Yang.

ACG magic

The Nanxiang Global ACG Industry Base brought whimsy and innovation, with the award-winning "Dooro Bear" IP from Shanghai Zhijian Network stealing hearts. The beloved mascot – winner of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Best Animated Character Award" – was joined by new "Comic Psychology" books and maternal products.

"We want to spread warmth like Dooro Bear," said Zhijian Network partner Huang Jieli.

Equally striking were Shizhou Culture Media's ancient-style "animated robot puppets," featured in hits like "The Outcast" and "The Lost Tomb."

"These puppets can be controlled via console, programmed, or connected to AI," explained designer Zhuang Hao. "This is our first expo – we're merging tech with Chinese culture to show Eastern charm."

Tech meets tradition

Two Jiading tech firms gave thrill-seekers unforgettable moments.

Yuanyushou Digital's naked-eye 3D immersive space brought the show "Guan Yu Battles Chi You" to life.

"It feels so real – I'm in the fight!" said Wang, a visitor.

This 5-minute show honors Guan's "loyalty, righteousness and courage" and will premiere globally in 2026 with custom content for scenic spots.​

Shanghai Topshine offered XR glasses that transported users to ancient worlds or prehistoric eras, with interactive shooting games blending virtual and real.

"Flying through erupting volcanoes felt like weightlessness!" shared a visitor surnamed Dong.

CEO Dong Dingxue noted the "XR large space" tech is already used in eight Chinese venues: "We want to partner on metaverse spaces for cultural tourism, exploring digital possibilities."