A bird's-eye view of the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_5bd1e4b71491]

The Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center opened today, launching its first phase with eight exhibition halls and 10 pavilions covering a total exhibition area of 155,000 square meters.

The first four test exhibitions have already started, and in September, the center will host the third Global Digital Trade Expo.

As a major project in Hangzhou's initiative to develop the Eastern Smart Manufacturing Corridor and establish itself as a city of competitions and conventions, the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center is a landmark in showcasing the city's ambition to become a world-class international metropolis and an aviation economic demonstration zone.

With a building area of 1.34 million square meters, the project represents a total investment exceeding 20 billion yuan ($2.75 billion). It includes 12 exhibition halls and 18 pavilions, offering an indoor net exhibition area of about 300,000 square meters.

The first phase features a fishbone layout with eight exhibition halls and 10 pavilions, while the second phase will have a semi-enclosed fan-shaped layout with four double-story exhibition halls. Once completed, it will rank among the top five in the country and first in Zhejiang in terms of net exhibition space, serving as a multifunctional venue for exhibitions, conferences, commerce, and offices.

Today, four exhibitions commenced, namely the 2024 China Hangzhou International Automotive Industry Chain Expo, the second Zhejiang International Pet Industry Expo, the 24th China Hangzhou International Automobile Industry Exhibition, and the Hangzhou AD04 Animation Expo. Throughout July and August, the center will host an additional 10 test exhibitions, thoroughly testing the venue's operations and team management capabilities.

The Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_7818c96c3422]