10th Chinese Entrepreneurs Cultural Festival Commences in Shangqiu, Henan

The city of Shangqiu in Henan Province, China, is currently hosting the 10th Chinese Entrepreneurs Cultural Festival, an event widely acknowledged as one of the 'World's Top Ten Most Influential Root-Seeking Cultural Events'. The festival commenced on October 29, 2025, a date that aligns with the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, also known as the Double Ninth Festival or Chongyang Festival. The festivities are centered at Huashang Culture Plaza, symbolizing a blend of historical legacy and contemporary creativity.

Celebrating China's Commercial Roots

The festival's central theme, 'Gathering at the Source of Chinese Commerce, Integrating into the Vast Market,' underscores its dual objectives: to honor China's rich entrepreneurial heritage and to position Shangqiu as a pivotal hub for cultural tourism and industrial exchange. Shangqiu holds significant historical importance, being widely regarded as the birthplace of Chinese commerce and the ancestral home of the Shang tribe. Tradition credits Wang Hai, an ancestral figure of Chinese commerce, with pioneering early forms of logistics through the domestication of cattle and horses for long-distance trade. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Song in this region implemented early customs duties and market transaction taxes, while economic strategist Ji Ran proposed theories that elevated economic development to a national strategic level. These historical foundations fostered a business culture emphasizing integrity, righteousness, and benefit, reflecting the moral principles and philosophy of the Chinese nation.

A Platform for Cultural and Economic Exchange

Approved by the Henan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the festival serves as a dynamic platform for industrial connectivity and resource matching. It aims to enhance Shangqiu's cultural brand as the 'Source of Merchants' and reinforce its strategic advantage as the 'Eastern Gateway of Henan' at the junction of four provinces. The event is designed to attract both domestic and international visitors, encouraging them to explore Shangqiu's historical role in the evolution of global commerce. This year's edition introduces several innovative experiences, including a digital exhibition space that showcases the evolution of trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship from ancient to modern times.

Commitment to Sustainability and Growth

Since its inception in 2006, the Chinese Entrepreneurs Cultural Festival has been successfully held nine times, making this the milestone tenth edition. Organizers are committed to minimizing environmental impact through eco-friendly event management, local sourcing of materials, and active community participation. This aligns with China's broader push towards green tourism and sustainable development. The festival is viewed as a strategic tourism initiative designed to drive economic growth through cultural exchange, strengthening national identity, promoting economic vitality, and inspiring global dialogue. Henan Province, often referred to as the 'Cradle of Chinese Civilization,' leverages such festivals to reinforce its global cultural identity and promote its future as a center for creative industries and cultural innovation.