Apart from those formal exhibitions, specialized art themes were also on show, including "the Egyptian Cultural Week" and "Yunnan Cultural Week". Traditionally, a guest nation is invited to co-organize a cultural week for their country, but this year's Yunnan Cultural Week was the first chance for a Chinese province to promote itself. 　　

Yunnan, literally meaning "the land south of the clouds", is home to 26 ethnic groups, whose diverse treasure of culture, arts and customs has becoming increasingly well-known both home and abroad. As the very first cultural week centered on a province of China, "Journey to the Land of Wonderful Yunnan " presented a series of representative stage performances and exhibitions, which gave a rare opportunity to experience this mysterious province without even leaving the metropolis of Shanghai. 　　

The Yunnan Folk Handicrafts Fair was one such example, which painted a full picture of the region's kaleidoscopic handiwork. This fair was divided into 17 categories, including paper handicrafts from the Naxi ethnic minority, red Jianshui stoneware, Heqing earthen depictions of cats, Dali tie dye and Tengchong shadow-craft. As well as intending to showcase the diversity and quality of Yunnan folk work, this fair was also aimed at accelerating the establishment of local brands, as well as expanding the market for these products. 　　

Of course, local performances also played a major role in the festival, including among them the epic Huaiju opera "Han Fei." Presented by the Shanghai Huaju Opera Troupe, this opera takes an incisive look at the paradoxical relationship between the great Chinese philosopher Han Fei and the King of Qin, Ying Zheng, who later conquered Qin's six neighboring states to become the First Emperor of China. Part of the intrigue is that Ying Zheng could only do so by adopting a strategy formulated by Han Fei, even though Han hailed from one of the Qin's rival states. Directed by the established Shen Bin, this play captivated a modern audience with its refined performance style, mesmerizing plots and enticing melodies.