Ningbo to host 2026 Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Expo

The 2026 Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Expo and Ningbo International Tourism Expo will open in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, from Nov 13 to 15, bringing together cultural and tourism resources from China and abroad.

Marking a first, the 11th edition of the expo will return to the heart of Sanjiangkou, the historic meeting point of the Grand Canal and the Maritime Silk Road. Adopting a citywide exhibition format, it will feature one main venue at Tianyi Square, two sub-venues at Old Bund and Ningbo Cultural Plaza, and multiple event sites across the city, covering a total exhibition area of 37,000 square meters.

The event will showcase Ningbo's cultural heritage while promoting international exchanges, with a special focus on Central and Eastern European countries. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, cultural products, tourism destinations, and creative industries, alongside exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences.

The expo will also embrace digital innovation and youth culture, featuring an anime and gaming carnival, AR sports experiences, and other emerging cultural attractions. To encourage consumption, Ningbo will offer 1 million yuan ($149,904) in cultural and tourism vouchers, along with special deals on travel packages, hotels and attractions.

By bringing exhibitions into the city's streets and waterfront areas, the event aims to turn cultural engagement into lasting urban vitality and strengthen Ningbo's role as a key hub of Maritime Silk Road cultural exchange.