Longhua District Integrates Culture and Technology to Propel Industrial Upgrades

The 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) recently concluded. Under the theme “Digital Culture & Tourism, Fashionable Longhua,” Longhua District showcased the innovative integration of culture and technology through a “1+4+N” exhibition model. With four major sub-venues collectively generating a total transaction volume of 3.01 billion yuan, Longhua demonstrated how cultural soft power is being transformed into a new engine of high-quality economic growth.

Qidi Tech GeneoX's Smart Patrol Robot Dog shuttles through the exhibition hall, serving as a "security guard"

Photo by Longhua District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports

Technology Enables Dual Activation of Digital Creativity and the Fashion Industry

At Longhua’s main exhibition hall, the fusion of technology and culture was prominently showcased. Highlights included Leju Robotics’ “Kuafu” humanoid robot interacting with visitors in a traditional cheongsam, intelligent robotic dogs patrolling the venue, and live demonstrations of cultural relic modeling via 3D scanning. Five immersive zones illustrated the multiplier effect of digital technologies on cultural production and communication.

Both emerging creative teams and legacy brands made an impact. Liver King Technology introduced China’s first fully AI-generated animated film, while companies like Yun Whale Vision and Huishark Technology presented esports gear and AI-enabled employee badges. Long-established cultural IPs such as Guanlan Printmaking and Yongfengyuan Ceramics appeared alongside trending Q-style characters like “History Cat,” creating a cultural matrix that bridges tradition and modernity. In 2024, Longhua’s cultural industry revenue reached 111.8 billion yuan, up 9.52% year-on-year, with the digital culture sector driving a large portion of this growth.

Zhenglong Weiye 3D Scanner

Photo by Longhua District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports

Cultural Tourism Drives Consumption: A New District-Wide Experience Ecosystem

At this year’s ICIF, Longhua marked the official debut of the world-renowned IP Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience with its first China stop in the district, offering an immersive nighttime adventure that is expected to elevate cultural tourism in the Greater Bay Area. Additionally, Longhua signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group to co-create a cultural landmark integrating culture, technology, and tourism.

The “Eye of Longhua – Cultural Tourism Cube” created a closed-loop consumption ecosystem by combining diverse experience-based scenarios. Each of the four sub-venues had its own distinct theme:Mission Hills Arts & Crafts Center blended AI with intangible cultural heritage; Jinxiu Science Park focused on micro-dramas and AI-generated content; Shangwei Art Village advanced rural revitalization through “art + cultural tourism”; Guanlan Rosewood Cluster Zone highlighted innovations in traditional craftsmanship.

In 2024, Longhua recorded 7.95 million tourist visits, generating over 5.2 billion yuan in tourism revenue. During the ICIF, over ten companies signed contracts exceeding 100 million yuan in value, further promoting in-depth collaboration across the cultural tourism industry chain.

Zhenglong Weiye 3D Scanner

Photo by Longhua District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports

Industrial Clusters and Policy Synergy Create New Growth Momentum

Longhua continues to advance its strategic position under the vision of “Digital Longhua,” adopting a comprehensive development approach that integrates industrial ecosystem expansion, policy support, and major project implementation. Since 2022, Longhua has funded 151 digital culture projects with a total investment of 43.3 million yuan. The district now hosts 17 cultural and creative parks—including two national-level parks—generating a strong clustering effect. Industrial spaces totaling 18,000 square meters have achieved annual revenues exceeding 1 billion yuan.

Traditional cultural IPs and emerging industries are growing side by side. While Guanlan Printmaking and Dalang Fashion retain their artistic appeal, tech-driven enterprises such as Damoda Intelligent Drone Systems and Leyard are redefining the integration of “culture + technology.” Platforms like the ICIF and Creative December continue to accelerate the high-end transformation of the cultural industry.

A Longhua District official stated that the district will further leverage “culture + technology” as a driving force, gathering global resources to develop new cultural production capacity and contribute to Shenzhen’s rise as a global regional cultural hub. From technological empowerment to cultural tourism integration, Longhua is playing a key role in upgrading the industrial landscape of the Greater Bay Area.