More than 200 types of creative products, 31 provincial regions, UNESCO Gastronomic Cities and 100 parades

As reported by CCTV+, the first China New Cultural Creativity Market and Fashion Toy Carnival opened in Beijing. The event presents cultural and creative products from across the country to visitors.

The carnival will run from May 15 to 24. It brings together participants from 31 provincial regions of China. Combining traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern trends, the carnival offers a comprehensive showcase: creative products inspired by museum exhibits, fashionable collectibles, intangible cultural heritage demonstrations and digital technology innovations.

The event also highlights culinary intangible cultural heritage traditions from cities recognized by UNESCO as “Gastronomic Cities”: Yangzhou, Chengdu and Shunde. More than 100 parades and performances are planned throughout the day and night of the carnival, attracting visitors of all ages.

Qiu Qing, Deputy Director of the Resource Development Department of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, explained: “This zone was created with the joint support of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Heritage, and several souvenir shops and museums in Beijing. We have created an immersive, thematic market that is easy for our tourists to visit and shop in. The Beijing souvenir zone features more than 200 types of creative products, including the very popular newly released Peking Opera face masks and perfume.”

The carnival has also become a popular destination for foreign tourists, who see it as an accessible and engaging way to experience authentic Chinese culture first-hand.

Melissa, a tourist from Russia, shared her passion for Chinese culture: “I have always been very interested in Chinese culture. After arriving in China, I felt I had to continue my exploration. Chinese culture is rich and profound. Coming to a place like this, you can understand it even deeper. Whether it is the National Museum of China or other institutions, everyone has their unique works related to Chinese culture. When I return to Russia, I usually bring fridge magnets or souvenirs, some keepsakes like crowns that very vividly reflect Chinese culture.”

The Beijing Carnival is not just a market. It is a bridge. Peking Opera masks become perfume. Fridge magnets become history. And a Russian tourist takes home not just souvenirs, but memories of a culture she feels with her skin. 100 parades, 200 types of products, 31 regions. China speaks to the world in the language of toys, food and scents. And this language is understood by everyone. Even without translation. What would you bring back from such a journey? A magnet? A mask? Or just a question that will remain unanswered until you come yourself?