Focus on the 7th WCIFIT | A Bustling Affair, Waiting for You to Explore

Throngs of local residents head to the WCIFIT over the weekend to explore and shop at the Chongqing International Expo Center, May 24.

The aircraft showcased in the Low-altitude Economy exhibition attracts significant attention, May 24.

Parents accompany their children in experiencing the oil drilling simulation cabin, May 24. Photographs courtesy of reporter Zheng Yu / Visual Chongqing, except those credited in this column.

Children at the exhibition examine the structural display model of new energy vehicles, May 24.

Local residents explore featured exhibits at the Pakistan Exhibition Zone, May 23. Photograph courtesy of reporter Zhang Jinhui / Visual Chongqing

On May 24, a weekend day, throngs of local residents flooded into the exhibition halls of the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT for short), where the venue buzzed with a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Inside the Jiangbei Pavilion, three "Chongqing made" vehicles, namely the AITO M8, Deepal S09, and NEVO E07 were real head-turners. Crowds gathered around each to look on and ask questions, with some even sitting inside to experience them.

Across from the Jiangbei Pavilion, local residents queued up to join the "touhu" (pot-throwing) game at the Liangping Pavilion. "Hit three arrows, and you'll win a roast duck as a prize," a local resident noted, adding that the game was entertaining and highly engaging.

In front of the large screen at the Beibei Pavilion, a group of children were dancing and gesturing along with a robot dog. The robot dog alternated between extending its "paw" to signal to the children and sitting down in a "congratulations" pose, triggering peals of laughter at the scene.

An array of tempting delicacies also drew crowds of local residents to stop and make purchases. Wulong's Yangjiao dried tofu, Pengshui's sweet potato noodles, Shizhu's preserved meat, Wushan's grilled fish, Fengjie's pork intestines... Many visitors sampled the treats on site before placing orders.

The most sought-after items were undoubtedly the two internet famous foods dubbed "one old, one new". The "old favorite" Chicken with Chilli and Wild Pepper Sauce, a Chongqing delicacy familiar from many exhibitions, is once again featured at the Fengdu Pavilion this year, delighting local residents with its delicious flavors. The "newcomer" is Rongchang Braised Goose, currently a viral sensation, with local residents streaming in to purchase it.

The featured products at the International Pavilion are also seeing a boom in both supply and sales. Items like Australian coffee, Malaysian milk powder, and Czech beer are among them, and many visitors buy directly after sampling.

"I've bought quite a lot today and it was truly worth the trip," said Ms. Jia, a fair goer. She and her companion selected numerous products, ranging from handicrafts and food from various districts and counties to featured items at the International Pavilion.

Local residents had a delightful time exploring the fair, and exhibitors also reaped substantial gains. "Our coffee bean bracelets are selling briskly, and people are showing considerable interest in such distinctive handicrafts." Said Shen Lu, an exhibitor from Ethiopia. Omid (transliterated), an Afghan exhibitor, brought local carpets to the fair, with many visitors taking home these exotic pieces.

Source: New Chongqing - Chongqing Daily