Feast for culture vultures

One of the most important cultural events of the year, the China International Cultural & Creative Industry Expo (ICCIE), is in Beijing next week. Running from next Wednesday to Sunday, the 3rd Expo will be held at eight venues around town. At the main venue, the China International Exhibition Center, there will be a wide variety of displays, including one on Taiwan culture and others on city sculptures, animated game shows, scenic tourist spots and Chinese cultural performances.

At Panjiayuan antique market, the first China intangible cultural relics exhibition will show more than 100 types of Chinese traditional handicrafts and craftsmen giving demonstrations. At the same time a grand Li Brocade exhibition will also be held. As China's oldest cotton textile, the Li brocade features handmade cloth by the Li people and exquisite embroidery.

During the expo period, the public will also get a chance to enjoy the musical treat, Flamenco Passion given by Spain Paco Mora Ballet Flamenco Espanol, dance drama Peony Pavilion performed by well-known Chinese dancer Jin Xing and the musical Aida.

The expo's 18 forums will attract hundreds of professionals from about 40 countries, including the winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize for economics, Edmund S. Phelps.

The 798 Art Zone is also involved - numerous activities like graffiti art shows, book fairs and auctions will be held by, among others, Beijing Publication and Press Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing Film Academy, China Millennium Monument and Gehua Plaza.

ICCIE is one of the most profitable expos in China. Billions of dollars are raked in each year for activities like theatrical performances, publications and distribution rights, copyright trades, film and television program production deals, animated cartoons and online games.

For more details, check www.iccie.cn