Hangzhou Grand Exhibition Center held a briefing at the West Lake Expo Museum on March 12, presenting on all sides its location, facilities, digital schedules, and one-stop service initiative, etc. 

The location at the core of the city’s Airport Economic Demonstration Zone sets the Grand Exhibition Center apart for two reasons: the proximity to Qiantang River and to the international airport (3 km away). The project spans approximately 74 hectares in total land area, with an approximate total floor area of 1.34 million square meters, representing a total investment of around 20 billion yuan. It comprises 12 pavilions hosting 18 display halls, with a net exhibition space measuring 300,000 square meters. Upon completion, the project’s net exhibition capacity will rank the fifth nationwide and the first in Zhejiang. The project phase I covers roughly 640,000 square meters as the total floor space, featuring 8 pavilions and 10 halls, providing a net exhibition space of about 155,000 square meters and a capacity to accommodate 5,900 standard booths.

The Grand Exhibition Center is set to equip the city with top-notch infrastructures tailored for global-scale events, playing a pivotal role in fostering a profound fusion between Hangzhou’s urban expansion and the dynamic show business. The strategic partnership between Airport Construction and China Merchants Shekou in managing this grand facility revolves around outstanding venue operations. They aspire to develop an all-encompassing ecosystem that caters to the value chain, orchestrating a symbiotic relationship between the show business and the broader industry itself. By instigating a self-reinforcing cycle of “exhibitions to catalyze industries and industries to empower exhibitions”, the Grand Exhibition Center seeks to propel the city’s transition into a global powerhouse for events and conferences, energizing its journey with fresh vigor and innovative strategies.

The city’s “Three-Year Action Plan (2024-2026) for Development of the Event Industry” was detailed at the briefing. The Plan stresses the privileges for events in particular held at the Grand Exhibition Center, like the financial aids from both the municipal and district governments. Specifically, a subsidy up to 1.7 million yuan will be granted for each exhibition and 1 million yuan for each conference.

The project is scheduled to be finalized by June. It will be put into trial operations in July and officially unveiled in September – as the host venue for the Global Digital Trade Expo. “We will follow the steps of the city to explore new business formats and modes. We won’t stop making new things. We play a vital role in making Hangzhou a city of international events. And, we will be paving a way for global industries to build our city as a significant international exchange center,” said Ling Li, the general manager of Hangzhou Linkong Merchants Exhibition Management Co., Ltd.

The sand table of the Center was also unveiled. It will be made a permanent exhibit at the West Lake Expo Museum.