The 18th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Expo opens on Oct 17, offering an upgraded, immersive experience. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

The 18th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Expo starts today, offering an upgraded, immersive experience in the crisp autumn air.

Running from Oct 17–21 at Baima Lake, this year's event showcases creative goods and lifestyle ideas from around the world, with a variety of interactive features.

The popular Cloud Song Dynasty online platform, now on version 3.0, has already attracted a huge following. With online and offline treasure hunts, participants can explore 17 local museums and earn prizes through fun, interactive tasks.

An exhibit from Poland introduces local products to Hangzhou residents. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

The new Digital Innovation pavilion will highlight cutting-edge tech products like China's first AAA game Black Myth: Wukong, AI platforms, and immersive AR and XR experiences.

The Museum City section will feature cultural products from top museums like the Zhejiang Provincial Museum and the China Tea Museum. Visitors can also participate in heritage craft workshops about traditional printing, paper lantern making, and natural dyeing.

Live theater performances, art workshops, and an array of creative displays will make this year's expo a must-visit for all ages.

Yuhang district opens a sub-section highlighting nature. [Photo/WeChat account: yhqxwb]