From July 31 to August 4, the Asia-Pacific Region Cultural and Urban Development Capacity Enhancement Workshop was held in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Yiwu was invited to participate in the event and presented a special topic titled “Yiwu’s Amazing World.”

The workshop was jointly organized by the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), the Government of Jeju, Republic of Korea, and the UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC. It revolved around the theme of “Culture as a Powerful Fuel for Building a Sustainable City,” engaging in discussions and exchanges.

At the event, Yiwu introduced its core attributes and urban cultural tourism highlights through city promotional videos and other presentations. The city presented its deep-rooted history and dual reputation as both a cultural hub and a global center for small commodities. This showcased the essence of the “Yiwu spirit,” characterized by values such as diligence, integrity, courage, and inclusivity. The city’s unique charm was further enriched by the portrayal of distinctive cultural elements like Daoqing, Wu Opera, and martial arts.

Yiwu also introduced the 18th China Yiwu Cultural and Tourism Products Trade Fair, highlighting its commitment to professional and market-oriented exhibitions while retaining distinct brand characteristics. The promotion included platforms like the Yiwu Cultural and Tourism Exhibition. Additionally, representatives were invited to participate in the 9th UCLG Asia Pacific General Assembly, scheduled for November 2023 in Yiwu.

In the interactive session, Yiwu creatively blended the poetry of its historical figures using calligraphy and seal carving onto traditional Song-style fans. These unique creations, known as “Yiwu gifts,” were then presented to the attending representatives, introducing a touch of Chinese culture into the Korean venue. (By Fang Wei)