A poster for the 18th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Industry Expo, which is set to be held from Oct 17 to 21. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The 18th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Industry Expo will be held from Oct 17 to 21, showcasing Hangzhou's dynamic cultural scene, local media outlets reported.

The event, featuring the theme "Creative Hangzhou, Connecting the World", has grown into a major platform for cultural exchange and industry collaboration.

This year's expo will feature over 5,500 creative brands from 68 countries and regions, with highlights including the "New World" gallery showcasing global craftsmanship, and the "New Scene" hall featuring cutting-edge digital technologies. Visitors can also explore immersive exhibits like the AR experience of ancient Pompeii and various interactive cultural displays.

The expo will also host 20 forums and industry discussions, focusing on cultural innovation, digital art, and the integration of technology in the cultural sector. It is set to be an engaging cultural celebration filled with exhibits, workshops, and performances that emphasize creativity, tradition, and modern technology.

Hangzhou holds a press conference for this year's expo on Oct 9. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]