A pair of red slippers that can be worn from both ends on display at the creative expo held from November 19 to 26 in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The expo is part of an annual cultural event entitled '2009 Creative Chengdu' that aims to promote the development of local creative industry. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

by Zheng Zhi

A forerunner in China's creative industry says a comprehensive change is afoot in the country thanks to its burgeoning creative industry.

Li Wuwei made the claim at a summit forum held during the week-long '2009 Creative Chengdu' cultural event currently underway in the capital city of southwest China's Sichuan province.

People in Chengdu will be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this change at a creative industry expo being held from November 19 to 26 in the city.

From statues made of waste paper to slippers designed to bring more comfort, the expo exhibits not only locally-produced creative works and electronic appliances, but also award-winning international innovations.

Environmental protection and waste material recycling are the focus of most of the designs.
"I am overwhelmed by the ingenious products displayed at the expo. We can have a better life with these creative ideas," said Jia Ling, a participating retired local teacher.

Patrick Lapoule, the owner of Patrick OH, a French design firm with a representative office in Chengdu, said that Chengdu, compared with cities like Beijing and Shanghai that are influenced more by foreign cultures, is a better place to develop China's own creative industry.

"The power of Chengdu is that it is far from foreign countries, then we can do something very strong from the center of China, for China. This is very important. We need indigenous technology and design in China and for China."

Wang Zhongming, a professor from Sichuan Vocational College, said that Chengdu still needs to strengthen certain areas when developing its creative industry.

"A lack of high-end creative talent is an issue that needs to be addressed by Chengdu, I think the local designers should constantly be renewing their concepts."

Starting this year, the expo, as part of 'Creative Chengdu', will become an annual event in the city.