2025 Taipei Summer Travel Expo Showcases Cultural Treasures With Modern Technology

Published on July 20, 2025

The four-day 2025 Taipei Summer Travel Expo, a carnival for tourism devotees at the Taipei World Trade Center, is an energetic show space of traditional tourist-related products and modern ones. It is also an important exhibition in Taiwan’s travel circuit and congregates more than 600 booths from around 200 companies. Comprising tourism resources, airline services, and characteristic cultural experiences from across the mainland, these are in these booths. Two of the most popular draws at the expo were the Cultural and Creative Products Zone, which gave visitors the opportunity to get a taste of the rich history of mainland China, and the technology-powered Cultural and Creative Products Zone, which showcased traditional art forms reimagined through modern tech.

Cultural and Creative Products Zone: Reviving Ancient Traditions with Modern Flair

A major highlight of the 2025 Taipei Summer Travel Expo was the Cultural and Creative Products Zone, which brought together the Taipei Office of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits (ATETS) and the National Museum of China. This collaboration resulted in an exhibition that brought ancient Chinese culture to life in a modern context, offering visitors a novel way to engage with the history and beauty of the mainland. More than 40 unique items were on display, each inspired by China’s vast cultural treasures.

One of the standout features of the exhibit was a range of creative products inspired by the Ming Dynasty Empress Xiaoduan’s iconic phoenix crown. The phoenix crown, known for its intricate design and association with imperial power and beauty, was reinterpreted in modern forms, creating a unique blend of ancient aesthetics and contemporary design. Visitors could admire these beautifully crafted items, many of which were wearable, and learn about their historical significance in Chinese culture.

This exhibition also featured a variety of other culturally significant items, including those inspired by other dynasties and regions of China. These products gave visitors a tangible connection to the rich cultural history of mainland China, with each item offering a glimpse into the artistic mastery of the past. Visitors could explore creative replicas of ancient art, ornaments, clothing, and even pottery, all showcasing the skills of artisans and the wealth of knowledge passed down through generations.

Augmented Reality: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Technology

One of the most innovative aspects of the expo was the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology, which allowed visitors to interact with the displays in new and engaging ways. A particularly popular feature was the opportunity to scan an AR code on the packaging of a specially designed fridge magnet. Upon scanning, visitors could “wear” a traditional phoenix crown in a virtual photo booth, creating fun, shareable moments that mixed the ancient with the modern. This use of AR technology not only made the experience more engaging for younger generations but also provided an immersive way to explore and appreciate traditional Chinese culture.

By utilizing cutting-edge technology, the expo successfully modernized the presentation of ancient Chinese traditions, creating a memorable and interactive experience for visitors. The fusion of history and innovation is an important step in making traditional culture more accessible and relevant to today’s audience, particularly younger generations who are often drawn to digital experiences.

Culinary Delights: Traditional Culture Meets Culinary Innovation

Beyond the visual and technological exhibits, the expo also featured a culinary display that brought the essence of Chinese culture to the taste buds. A unique photo exhibition showcased a range of creative food items, including specially designed coffee, cakes, ice cream, and lollipops, all inspired by cultural artifacts from the National Museum of China. These treats were not only visually appealing but also served to connect the rich history of Chinese culture with the culinary arts. Visitors were able to indulge in these whimsical delicacies, providing a sensory extension to the cultural experience.

The culinary offerings at the expo were a delightful addition, blending the aesthetic beauty of traditional Chinese symbols with the pleasure of modern gastronomy. These food items acted as another bridge between the past and the present, offering visitors a way to enjoy the culture in a new, unexpected form.

Promoting Mainland Tourism: Expanding Horizons for Taiwanese Travelers

The 2025 Taipei Summer Travel Expo also served as a significant platform for promoting tourism to mainland China. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in interest among Taiwanese travelers to explore mainland China, especially as high-speed rail networks make travel to second- and third-tier cities more accessible. This increased ease of travel is opening up new opportunities for Taiwanese tourists to experience not only well-known destinations like Beijing and Shanghai but also lesser-known gems across the mainland.

The Taipei Office of ATETS took the opportunity to highlight the growing integration of culture and tourism within mainland China. Museums, in particular, have become increasingly popular travel destinations, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with China’s cultural heritage in an immersive, hands-on manner. The expo showcased how museums and cultural institutions have embraced creative products that bring their exhibits to life, offering tourists a chance to take home a piece of history in the form of beautifully crafted souvenirs.

This emphasis on cultural tourism is in line with mainland China’s broader efforts to enhance the accessibility and appeal of its vast cultural offerings. By making traditional relics and artifacts more engaging and accessible, mainland China is positioning itself as a top destination for cultural tourism, with products that resonate deeply with both local and international visitors.

A Platform for Collaboration: Fostering Stronger Cultural Exchanges

The Taipei Summer Travel Expo is not only a chance for tourists to discover new destinations but also an important venue for fostering cultural exchange between Taiwan and mainland China. With 24 dedicated booths from the ATETS, including those focused on mainland tourism resources, airline services, and cultural experiences such as Hanfu, the expo highlighted the shared cultural heritage between the two regions. These booths allowed Taiwanese visitors to gain firsthand knowledge of mainland China’s tourist offerings and deepen their appreciation for its history, culture, and innovations.

The expo’s broad participation from mainland Chinese enterprises further contributed to strengthening ties and promoting cross-strait collaboration. By offering both tangible experiences and virtual interactions, the expo created an environment where cultural understanding could thrive, helping to bridge divides and foster greater mutual respect.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a Unified Cultural Future

The 2025 Taipei Summer Travel Expo skillfully dismantled the barriers of time and space, providing opportunities for the public to experience the rich cultural dynamics of mainland China through interactive, future-forward themed exhibitions. By combining interactive installations, innovative AR technology, and culinary innovation, the event helped to digitize thousands of years of old traditions into something tangible, interactive, and applicable for the modern traveler. This exposition wasn’t just a showcase of cultural tourism but an insight into the future of travelling, fusing history and technology to create unforgettable moments. With growing cultural exchanges between Taiwan and China, Taipei’s Summer Travel Expo, and festivals like it, will be key participants in transcending the emotional and cultural divide between the straits.

References: Taipei Summer Travel Expo 2025 Official Website, Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits (ATETS), Taipei Travel Official Portal