The 7th China West International Investment and Trade Fair (CWIITF) is set to take place from May 22 to 25 at the Chongqing International Expo Center and Yuelai International Conference Center. As a premier platform for international trade and investment in Western China, this year’s event promises an engaging experience for visitors, with exhibitions designed to highlight cutting-edge technologies and regional specialties. Ahead of the official opening, a preview revealed that the fair will feature an array of eye-catching products, including numerous drones, robots, and automotive displays, making it both visually stunning and interactive.
Exhibition halls have been meticulously arranged to offer a blend of innovation and entertainment, with many exhibits allowing hands-on interaction. From massive unmanned aerial vehicles to emotionally responsive robots, the fair underscores the rapid advancements in technology and manufacturing within the region. The following sections provide an in-depth look at the key highlights, organized to guide readers through the major attractions.
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Eye-Catching Exhibits: Largest Drones and Advanced Robotics Take Center Stage
The central exhibition hall, always a focal point of the CWIITF, is packed with remarkable products this year. Among the most prominent displays are two of the largest drones ever showcased at the event, presented by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. One is a gray eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft with expansive wings and propellers, while the other, named Rainbow-YH1000, is a red unmanned transport vehicle. The Rainbow-YH1000 boasts a maximum payload exceeding one ton and an operational ceiling of 8,000 meters, requiring no runway for takeoff—a feature particularly suited to Chongqing’s complex mountainous terrain. These China UAV models represent significant strides in aerial logistics and transportation solutions.
Drones are ubiquitous throughout the fair, with multiple booths in the central hall and other pavilions featuring various China drone products. A veteran attendee noted that these two drones are the largest ever displayed at the CWIITF in its seven-year history, highlighting the growing emphasis on unmanned aerial technology. Beyond drones, the central hall includes other innovative exhibits. For instance, Chongqing’s section features a humanoid robot from Changan Automobile, comparable in size to an adult and capable of basic movements like walking. Currently used in manufacturing, this robot showcases the integration of robotics in industrial applications.
In the High-tech Zone display, a brain-shaped model draws attention—a scientific art piece replicating a mouse’s brain through simulated slicing, visualization, and 3D printing. Meanwhile, the Liangjiang New Area booth hosts an emotional interaction robot from Bairong Yunchuang Technology Co., Ltd., designed to engage with visitors by responding to their emotions and movements. This robot, resembling the mythical Monkey King, is primarily deployed in educational settings for psychological support. Additionally, Sichuan Province, a permanent guest of honor at the fair, presents intelligent robots, 3D medical printers, and model aircraft like the J-20 and Wing Loong UAV, further emphasizing the region’s technological prowess.
The prevalence of China UAV and China drone technologies at the fair reflects their increasing importance in sectors such as logistics, agriculture, and emergency response. Exhibitors are highlighting how these devices can overcome geographical challenges, particularly in Western China’s diverse landscapes. The continuous innovation in drone capabilities, from heavy-lift transport to vertical takeoff, signals a robust future for aerial solutions in both domestic and international markets.
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Automotive and Motorcycle Spotlight: Export-Oriented Innovations Drive “Outward-Looking” Trends
Automobiles and motorcycles are among the most frequently featured products at this year’s CWIITF, with numerous booths showcasing sleek, technologically advanced vehicles and components. This emphasis aligns with Chongqing’s ambition to build a world-class intelligent connected new energy vehicle cluster. Examples include the Aito M8 and Avatr 06 in the Liangjiang New Area booth, which demonstrate high-end intelligence through laser radar and Huawei’s autonomous driving systems. Similarly, the Jiangbei booth displays Changan Qiyuan E07 and Shenlan S09 models, targeting diverse market demands for new energy vehicles.
Fuling’s SWM G01 Pro and Jiangjin’s Landian E5 PLUS represent alternative technological routes, illustrating the city’s comprehensive approach to automotive development. A standout in this category is the 49T hydrogen fuel cell tractor from Qingling, which can travel 400 kilometers on a five-minute hydrogen refill. Developed in collaboration with Germany’s Bosch, it features a hydrogen fuel engine with a rated power of 190KW, setting industry benchmarks. Other exhibits, such as specialized engineering modifications from Dazu’s Kerry Special Vehicle and lightweight components from Hechuan, underscore Chongqing’s self-reliance in core areas like the “three electric” systems (battery, motor, and electronic control).
Motorcycles, particularly those designed for export, are another highlight. In the Chongqing section, an electric motorcycle from Duse Technology—the industry’s first car-grade intelligent high-speed e-motorcycle named Nixing “Light Chaser”—captures attention with its sharp,mecha -inspired design and carbon fiber details. It accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 2.8 seconds and supports car-grade fast charging, thanks to its high-efficiency motor and semi-solid-state battery. Dazu’s booth features off-road motorcycles from Like Racing, with over 50% of parts independently designed and developed, primarily exported to markets in the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, the United States, South America, and Africa.
Another notable example is the 1200 cafe racer concept bike from Chongqing Andes Motor Sales Co., Ltd., which combines retro styling with a modern design language and a powerful 1200CC engine. Its export-oriented Flamingo 700 model, with an extended wheelbase, V-twin engine, and ultra-wide rear tire, is designed for high visual impact. Industry experts note that the prominence of Chongqing’s automotive and motorcycle products at the fair underscores their central role in the regional economy and their ability to drive cross-industry integration. The focus on “outward-looking” models highlights the global competitiveness of China’s manufacturing sector, with China UAV and China drone technologies often complementing these automotive advances in areas like logistics and surveillance.
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Immersive Experiences: Regional Displays Showcase Local Charm Through Thematic Pavilions
Regional exhibition stands at the CWIITF have been creatively designed to offer immersive experiences that reflect local culture and resources. These pavilions use innovative layouts and multimedia elements to engage visitors, transforming the fair into a journey through Chongqing’s diverse landscapes and traditions. For example, Nanchuan has recreated the Jinfoshan mountain within its booth, dedicating nearly one-third of the space to a detailed model of the mountain and surrounding scenic spots. This setup allows visitors to feel as though they are walking through a dynamic landscape painting, emphasizing the area’s focus on tourism, health retreats, and agritourism.
Rongchang, recently popular online, features its renowned braised goose prominently, with a large screen shaped like the dish playing cultural promotion videos. Tongnan centers its display around the national lemon industry cluster, designing the entire booth with lemon-themed elements—from lemon-shaped seats and yellow overhead decorations to cute lemon IP characters, creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. Wulong’s booth uses green “mountain” ribbons hanging from the ceiling and wave-patterned floors to evoke a sense of dancing landscapes, highlighting its natural beauty.
Other regions employ similar creative tactics: Pengshui showcases Miao ethnic culture, Wuxi simulates an aquarium, Yuzhong opts for a cyberpunk minimalist style, Beibei features a “fire knight” theme, and Qianjiang greets visitors with dinosaur displays. These booths blend local cultural symbols with modern media technologies, achieving a fusion of historical heritage and contemporary aesthetics. The emphasis on immersive experiences not only attracts visitors but also promotes regional tourism and investment opportunities, with some displays indirectly relating to China UAV applications in areas like environmental monitoring and cultural preservation.
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Visitor-Friendly Activities: Food Tastings and Interactive Fun Enhance Public Engagement
This year’s CWIITF is notably public-friendly, with a strong focus on culinary experiences and hands-on activities that allow visitors to sample local flavors and engage with exhibits. For instance, the Nanqiao Group booth offers a wide array of cakes, bread, and other baked goods available for on-site purchase and tasting, enabling attendees to directly experience the quality of their products. Thailand, as a guest country, has set up a themed booth in the central hall featuring posters of beverages and dried durian, with plans to serve authentic Thai snacks during the event.
Additional food-related attractions include the Banan booth, where Tianfu Cola, a well-known Chongqing beverage brand, presents its entire product line—including the latest canned cola, glass-bottle versions, and other drinks like Bailing and Youth Orange Juice. Visitors can sample these items, reliving the legacy of what was once a “state banquet drink.” In the Dianjiang booth, large pots are set up for live cooking demonstrations of local specialties such as noodles, hot pot, steamed buns, and duck, providing a sensory feast. Similarly, the Wushan booth will fill the air with the aroma of grilled fish prepared on-site.
Beyond food, the fair includes various interactive and entertaining elements. The Dazu display features a stone-carved “Shar Pei dog” crafted using techniques from the Dazu Rock Carvings, serving as a cultural derivative product. Meanwhile, the China National Petroleum Corporation booth offers a simulated driving experience in the world’s first 12,000-meter ultra-deep well automated drilling rig, allowing visitors to intuitively understand oil drilling processes. These activities not only make the fair more enjoyable but also educate the public on technological and cultural advancements, with some ties to China drone uses in sectors like energy and heritage conservation.
Overall, the 7th China West International Investment and Trade Fair demonstrates a balanced mix of innovation, culture, and public engagement. The extensive display of China UAV and China drone technologies, alongside automotive breakthroughs and regional showcases, positions the event as a key driver for economic growth and international collaboration in Western China. Visitors can expect a memorable experience filled with learning opportunities and sensory delights, reinforcing the fair’s role as a bridge between local industries and global markets.