The 2015 East Helan Mountain Area International Wine Expo opened in the city of Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, on Sept 7, attracting wine experts, producers, merchants, local government officials and a delegation from New Zealand’s Marlborough area.

The 2015 East Helan Mountain Area International Wine Expo is held in Yinchuan, Sept 7.[Photo provided for chinadaily.com.cn]

A large number of wineries from 31 countries have brought about 450 wines for display at the 4-day event and there will be wine-themed activities, tourism promotions for the Helan Mountain area, a “best wine” competition with a gold medal, a “Silk Road” forum, an experiential wing-making program and a summary of the whole expo.

Ningxia has come up with preferential policies for international cooperation and brands in the geographically unique Helan Mountain East Grape Industry Zone. The 340-million-sq-m planting area on the east side of Helan Mountain now has chateaus and an annual output of 100-million bottles of top-quality wine, and has received at least 200 awards at international and domestic competitions.

Ningxia has hosted this event four times to promote the region’s opening-up with neighboring areas, increase international communications and cooperation, and to give greater exposure and business opportunities to local and Chinese wine industry.

It is also a warm-up event for the China-Arab States Expo, which will be held in Yinchuan, Sept 10 – 13.